hennaartist
Aquarium Advice Freak
I have a 55 gallon planted tank (no driftwood) with ropefish, SAE, and angelfish. It's been set up (with these fish) for nearly two years. I do a 25% water change weekly and everything has been fine. A few days ago, I thought something seemed off, nothing in particular made me think that, but I figured I should test the water (I am sorta a test-aholic lol).
I was so shocked by the low pH, that I took a sample over to my lfs (I use test strips). However, they confirmed that my pH was VERY low (at 6), my water was hard, and my nitrates were much higher than usual (not dangerous though).
I haven't added anything new to the tank. I tested my tap water (after leaving it out overnight) and the pH was at 6.8, as usual. I keep limestone in my tank to add hardness, and keep my pH at about 7.2ish.
Im a regular customer (they know me by name) and they were uncertain why there would be a sudden drop. They could only suggest a water change (which I immediately did), and possibly using some pH up. I really don't want to use chemicals, especially when my parameters had been just fine (for almost two years).
Any ideas or suggestions?
I was so shocked by the low pH, that I took a sample over to my lfs (I use test strips). However, they confirmed that my pH was VERY low (at 6), my water was hard, and my nitrates were much higher than usual (not dangerous though).
I haven't added anything new to the tank. I tested my tap water (after leaving it out overnight) and the pH was at 6.8, as usual. I keep limestone in my tank to add hardness, and keep my pH at about 7.2ish.
Im a regular customer (they know me by name) and they were uncertain why there would be a sudden drop. They could only suggest a water change (which I immediately did), and possibly using some pH up. I really don't want to use chemicals, especially when my parameters had been just fine (for almost two years).
Any ideas or suggestions?