new African Lake Malawi cichlids tank

[theman1973]

10/10/2014 my tank fully cycled, had 3 repeat test ammonia drop from 4.0ppm to 0.0ppm within 24 hours, and 2.0ppm within 12 hours.

11/10/2014 stock 10 African Lake Malawi cichlids size 1.5-2.5inc and 3 Golden Sucking Catfish size 1.5-2inc. and the water condition as following
pH 7.4
Ammonia: 0.0ppm
Nitrite 0.0ppm
Nitrate -5.0ppm
GH 89.5ppm
KH 89.5ppm
Tanks setting:
I have 3 plants, one big driftwood (L35cm xH20cmxW10cm), 2 heaters 100w+50w, water temperature at 28C. Have 4L/m air pump, and Eheim 2217 filer.
I did lot research on Google, all most all African lake Malawi chlorides tank do not have plants and driftwood size ((L35cm xH20cmxW10cm). should I removed my driftwood out or reduced size to half. I am looking/seeking help to increase my pH to 8.0, GH to 200-240ppm, KH to 200-210ppm.
13/10/2014 night at 7pm test water reading are:
pH 7.4
Ammonia: 0.0ppm
Nitrite 0.0ppm
Nitrate -7.5ppm
GH 89.5ppm
KH 53.7ppm
Add 3pic of Texas Holey Rock approx. 6.1kg. Added 1 tablespoon of backing soda and 1 tablespoon of Epsom salt dissolved with tank water. I will contumely add 1 tablespoon of backing soda and 1 tablespoon of Epsom salt for 7 days until it reached to the water condition suitable for African Lake Malawi cichlids.
And please give me some your experiences how you do and what you going to do for that.​

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[dalto]

You should probably remove the driftwood as it will lower your pH further over time.

If you are going to dose baking soda just make sure you are also adding it to any new water that is entering the tank. The baking soda will naturally bring the tank towards a pH of just over 8.

 

[bjones376]

This is just my opinion I don't add any additives for ph and stay steady at 6.8 and have 7 Africans and they're doing great with what I've been told and researched is to keep ph steady and the fish will adapt to it and remove the drift wood as it will lower the ph

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