New Tank Question

[MPehl77]

Hello everyone! I am new the this forum and have a problem.

I have a new 29 gallon tank. It's been filled for a couple weeks, started with Tetra Safe Start with bio-septra. I let the tank run empty for a couple weeks and added 2 dalmatian mollies and two sunburst platies. When I test my water, my nitrates, nitrites, and ammonia are non-existant, but my PH is high....8.5. And my overall hardness is very high also.

I have read that trying to adjust the PH is a risky maneuver and should be avoided. Should I be worried or just let the tank cycle by itself? On a side note, the fish are very active and are exploring their new home....they seem happy and healthy.

 

[Mumma.of.two]

Welcome!
You are right. Adjusting the pH can end in disaster. 8.5 is fine for most species.
What test kit are you using? I would think after 2 weeks (with fish) you would have some ammonia.
Please read these.
FISH IN
http://www.aquariumadvice.com/artic...g-but-I-already-have-fish-What-now/Page2.html

http://www.aquariumadvice.com/forums/f12/fish-in-cycling-step-over-into-the-dark-side-176446.html

BEGINNERS GUIDE
http://www.aquariumadvice.com/artic...-to-Starting-a-Freshwater-Aquarium/Page1.html

 

[MPehl77]

Thanks

Thanks for the advice, and the links were most helpful.

I am going to invest in a good test kit...right now I have the strips and I realize what junk they are, but its all our store had at the time. (I live in a rural area, you take what you can get!)

 

[Mumma.of.two]

Thanks for the advice, and the links were most helpful.

I am going to invest in a good test kit...right now I have the strips and I realize what junk they are, but its all our store had at the time. (I live in a rural area, you take what you can get!)

They test kits are cheaper online. in the mean time I'd recommend uping the water changes to 50% every 1-2 days until you get your test kit to see what the ammonia really is.

 

[redsea]

Welcome to Aquarium Advice!

 

[melosu58]

Welcome aboard. We are glad you found us here at AA.