Aloha!

[Krissycakes]

My name is Shaynee. From Big Island, Hawaii. I am 19, and found out I am addicted to caring for my tank.

I currently own a 20g, (originally purchased for my male betta) with 8 live plants, 1 male betta, 8 neon tetras, small group of guppies, and a few snails I got from a friend/plants that I purchased.

I am working on getting a testing kit for my water. I am not sure of the ph levels, and I am sure it is vital for my fish and plants health. Any help would be appreciated. I look forward to reading the threads and getting great advice from you guys! Mahalo

 

[molliwopp]

Warm welcome to the forum! your tank looks nice. Youll get more replies to you ph question in the freshwater section. Whats your ph as it stands?

 

[melosu58]

Welcome aboard. We are glad you found us here at AA.

 

[Krissycakes]

Warm welcome to the forum! your tank looks nice. Youll get more replies to you ph question in the freshwater section. Whats your ph as it stands?

Welcome aboard. We are glad you found us here at AA.

@molliwopp atm I am not sure what my ph is at. I will cash my check tomorrow and buy test strips=)

@melosu58 I have been meaning to get advise from others. My lfs owner is getting annoyed with me lol. I do drop in at least 2x a week

 

[jwh0818]

Welcome! You should remove the plants from those pots because they dont really grow in them. They have some wool stuff in them that should be removed as well

 

[Krissycakes]

Welcome! You should remove the plants from those pots because they dont really grow in them. They have some wool stuff in them that should be removed as well

Thanks, I was wondering if I should or not. But makes sense. Lol Should I cut the pots open with scissors? I don't want to damage the root system.

 

[Fresh2o]

Thanks, I was wondering if I should or not. But makes sense. Lol Should I cut the pots open with scissors? I don't want to damage the root system.

Yes, you can use scissors to cut the plastic pots. Then gently peel the rock wool from the roots.

 

[Krissycakes]

Yes, you can use scissors to cut the plastic pots. Then gently peel the rock wool from the roots.

Thanks, I will be sure to do this today. And I am putting in my center piece today.

Incoming pictures soon!

 

[Krissycakes]

So I haven't taken pictures. But turns out my ph is 7.6 + I have to get ph down now?

 

[Scottyhorse]

7.6 is fine Did you use a liquid kit or strips? The strips are very inaccurate.

 

[Krissycakes]

I got the API liquid tests, I believe. Are they good?

 

[jtez]

I got the API liquid tests, I believe. Are they good?

Welcome to the forums

These tests are what most of us use and recommend. A common myth is that pH is crucial to fish health. This is only true to an extent, as long as the pH is fairly neutral most fish can adapt to it.

If you start using chemicals to change the pH it can get messy (expensive to add chemicals every water change, and often the change in pH is rapid and stresses the fish). A stable aquarium where the pH doesn't change all the time (even if it is a tad higher than recommended) is better than constantly changing the pH.

Just monitor pH to make sure there's no big swings and the fish should be ok what's more important is the ammonia, nitrite and nitrate readings. Did you get the API master kit that has those tests too?

 

[Krissycakes]

Welcome to the forums

These tests are what most of us use and recommend. A common myth is that pH is crucial to fish health. This is only true to an extent, as long as the pH is fairly neutral most fish can adapt to it.

If you start using chemicals to change the pH it can get messy (expensive to add chemicals every water change, and often the change in pH is rapid and stresses the fish). A stable aquarium where the pH doesn't change all the time (even if it is a tad higher than recommended) is better than constantly changing the pH.

Just monitor pH to make sure there's no big swings and the fish should be ok what's more important is the ammonia, nitrite and nitrate readings. Did you get the API master kit that has those tests too?

I did get the ammonia as well.

 

[Krissycakes]

This is my ammonia

 

[Scottyhorse]

Looks like a zero to me That's great. I would also reccomend getting the nitrite and nitrate test kits.

 

[Krissycakes]

Looks like a zero to me That's great. I would also reccomend getting the nitrite and nitrate test kits.

Thanks @scottyhorse will browse the shop some more. Glad to have a second opinion.