Ph levels to high

[ndw]

Ever since I've had my tank setup my water always seems to read a ph if 8-8.5 my tap water is always neutral so there is something in the tank causing it I just haven't worked out what yet. However my question is, is this a harmful ph for my fish ?

 

[Fishdude3233]

Best thing to do is keep a stable PH, most fish can adapt to 8.0 and for some it's very beneficial ph swings are worse then a high ph that's stable


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[ndw]

It has seemed to keep stable since ive had it I still cannot work out what is causing the ph increase though

 

[Fishdude3233]

What is the tap water ph?
Are you using crushed coral as a substrate or any other ph buffer


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[ndw]

Tap water is 7 and no I checked and my gravel is fine I have fake plants aswell I just don't understand it

 

[Catfish Lover]

Ever since I've had my tank setup my water always seems to read a ph if 8-8.5 my tap water is always neutral so there is something in the tank causing it I just haven't worked out what yet. However my question is, is this a harmful ph for my fish ?

My tank runs 8.2-8.4. I've had my tank for almost 4 years. I was concerned at first as I thought I could only keep certain fish. Only to find out its one of the bigger myths that fish can't live in high ph. Yes their are a few fish out there that need lower ph/soft water but I'll say 90% of freshwater fish can adapt to whatever you have. Keep it stable and make sure you acclimate slow and they'll be fine

 

[ndw]

My tank runs 8.2-8.4. I've had my tank for almost 4 years. I was concerned at first as I thought I could only keep certain fish. Only to find out its one of the bigger myths that fish can't live in high ph. Yes their are a few fish out there that need lower ph/soft water but I'll say 90% of freshwater fish can adapt to whatever you have. Keep it stable and make sure you acclimate slow and they'll be fine

That's good news then. Thanks a lot

 

[Coyne]

Hopefully there's not much of a swing when you do water changes. It may be better to do a few smaller changes during the week instead of one big one. All this talk about the importance of a stable pH is great and all, but if your water is going from 7 to 8.5 then your pH isn't all that stable.

At any rate, pH doesn't increase via magic. Something is causing a significant change.
Id start by double checking your tap water. Before testing , let it set in a container over night and either leave an air stone running or give it a good stirring from time to time. This should give you a more accurate reading. In fact, it'll probably be lower than the reading you get straight from the tap.


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[ndw]

I tested my tap water it was 7-7.5 I left it over night and it had Risen to 8-8.5 for whatever reason I done a water change yesterday and tested my tank ph and it was at about 8 so I'm hoping that the shift in ph during changes isn't to bad