Major PH Spike!! 2 dead fish. HELP PLEASE

[joschac2]

Well I am very sad to say that I came home yesterday and found one of my Angel fish dead.. I couldnt believe it! I have had my tank fully cycled and stocked with fish for months now and this is the first fish I lost.. This particular Angel has only been in my tank for two weeks. I was very concerned.. I proceeded to test my water and found all my levels were ok EXCEPT my PH. It has been holding steady at 7.4 since 8-24-11. It was at 8.8 yesterday. I Panic'd a bit and did a water change and it went down to 8. Now I freaking because I just lowered it by .8 and from what ive learned more than a .5 change in 24-48 hours is very hard on the fish....

aI get home today and found another fish dead. This fish has also only been in my tank for 2 weeks like the Angel. I tested my PH today and its back to 7.4. I am so confused/ concerned as to why My water's PH spiked like this. Please any advice or thoughts or questions about my setup is welcome..

 

[Hholly]

Was anything added to the tank recently?

 

[joschac2]

Yes. I added a new decoration and 1 plant.

things have seem to level out and my PH is back to 7.4 and holding. Still not able to find the root cause of the spike.

I am wondering if I had something on my arm and when I put in the plant and decor it contaminated my water...

 

[Fishnova]

What kind of decor?
Plant?

 

[joschac2]

plastic tree root. about 10in wide by 14 inches high.

the plant is a sword. (live)

 

[jlk]

I dont think the plant or the decoration was the cause of the spike (esp a live plant). What does your water change schedule look like? Is there any chance of a contaminate getting into the tank (febreeze sprayed in the room, carpet powder, etc)?

 

[joschac2]

my water changes are every two weeks. I test my water weekly and use the same bucket to transfer water. I would say no on the contamination factor but I guess it could happen. My tank is covered so it would be hard but not impossible.

 

[Hholly]

Have you tested your tap water?

 

[joschac2]

I have never tested it until this incident. Its 8.2 at least the day I tested it was. I have city water so I would assume its consistant..
Which leads me to another question.. If im using water that is 8.2 how/why is my PH always 7.4.. hmmmmm

 

[Hholly]

Do you have a lot of driftwood?

 

[joschac2]

no driftwood...

 

[Hholly]

Sorry but you have a real mystery on your hands. Wish I knew more to help. Hope you figure it out.

 

[joschac2]

me too.... i do apprieaciate the help... def seems odd.... and now things are back to normal.. very strange!!!

 

[jlk]

Im glad things are back to normal! That your tank is that much lower than your tap is a bit odd. Have you tried a 24hr test? Put some tap with an airstone/bubbler & let it sit for 24hrs then test the ph. Let us know what the results are! After it gasses out, it may be lower (or higher). The second thing i would really consider doing is start weekly or bi-weekly larger pwcs. This will keep your buffers established (they get used up during nitritfication) & hopefully prevent any dramatic ph swings in the future. I have city water as well (@8ph) but if i let my tanks go for more than a few days, the ph will start to climb. Water changes are the best thing you can do for your health of your fish & the stability of your tank.