High Ph levels.

[burrhubb]

Ok so I'm into 3rd week of fishless cycle. My ph has seemed to of settled at 8.2 (three or four days) my tap water (straight of of tap not stood) is 7.4. What could be causing this?

My ammonia is zero
No3 80
No2 5


I did a 50% water change yesterday due to no3 and no2 being really high

Thanks in advance for any help you give

 

[TheCommunityCichlid]

What kind of rocks and sand do you have in your tank? Did you do the vinegar test before adding them?

 

[burrhubb]

I have gravel rinsed it out well before added. And decorative stones. 3 fake plants. Ship. Vinegar test???

 

[TheCommunityCichlid]

Take you rocks out pour a little vinegar on them if the bubble then they are responsible for your ph

 

[burrhubb]

Oh ok. Thanks will try that. What do I do if anything if it does bubble? Can they be used?

 

[TheCommunityCichlid]

Oh ok. Thanks will try that. What do I do if anything if it does bubble? Can they be used?

They are releasing minerals into the water making it more alkaline. They can be used but will always cause you ph to be so high. Personally I would chuck them but depends on the fish your keeping. If its not the rocks we'll go from there

 

[burrhubb]

There were no bubbles ??

 

[TheCommunityCichlid]

Hmm ok keep them. Are you sure you tested the tap right?

 

[burrhubb]

I tested the tap water straight out of the tap. I've just filled a small container of tap water and going to leave it??? Then test ph again. See if Italy's a difference......? I'm using prime to get rid of chlorine etc in tap water. That wouldn't have an effect would it?

 

[burrhubb]

Don't know why Italy is there. Lol sorry. I mean see if there is a difference

 

[TheCommunityCichlid]

I tested the tap water straight out of the tap. I've just filled a small container of tap water and going to leave it??? Then test ph again. See if Italy's a difference......? I'm using prime to get rid of chlorine etc in tap water. That wouldn't have an effect would it?

No prime shouldn't do anything, what test kit are you using?

 

[burrhubb]

Api master test kit

 

[burrhubb]

Glad I'm not the only one who's baffled lol

 

[TheCommunityCichlid]

Well I'm stumped I'd retest and double check get someone to confirm color match otherwise I'm stumped.

 

[burrhubb]

Ok thanks for your help anyway

 

[TheCommunityCichlid]

No problem. Also water changes with your tap should bring it down. I think something in the tank is causing to rise just don't know what