Hello everyone! I know I am pretty new here but decided to start a thread to follow my progress through setting up my first tank ever, and a planted one at that!
The reason behind this thread is mainly for me to be able to get advice along my journey through fish-keeping without having to make a bunch of threads. I have no experience with this really and definitely could use some help!
My first (potential) issue is the water quality of my tap water. I just ran all the tests from the API Master Freshwater and GH/KH kits, and below are the results.
Tap Water Test Results:
As you can see above, pretty normal readings as far as I know; except for the glaringly obvious pH and GH. This is straight tap water and I followed testing instructions to the letter as far as I can tell. The pH test result was hard to determine and it may have even been over 8.8.
Not sure how these parameters will affect my aquarium. From what I have learned in my research, that pH level will need to be dealt with. Any recommendations for how to lower the pH level to an idea range for freshwater fish / plants? I have read about special water additives to help control pH levels, would anyone recommend that route?
Also, do I need to be worried about the GH results, and if so, how would you recommend going about lowering them?
The reason behind this thread is mainly for me to be able to get advice along my journey through fish-keeping without having to make a bunch of threads. I have no experience with this really and definitely could use some help!
My first (potential) issue is the water quality of my tap water. I just ran all the tests from the API Master Freshwater and GH/KH kits, and below are the results.
Tap Water Test Results:
- pH: 8.4 - 8.8 (?)
- Ammonia: 0 ppm
- Nitrite: 0 ppm
- Nitrate: 0 ppm
- KH: 1 dKH / 17.9 ppm
- GH: 10 dKH / 179 ppm
As you can see above, pretty normal readings as far as I know; except for the glaringly obvious pH and GH. This is straight tap water and I followed testing instructions to the letter as far as I can tell. The pH test result was hard to determine and it may have even been over 8.8.
Not sure how these parameters will affect my aquarium. From what I have learned in my research, that pH level will need to be dealt with. Any recommendations for how to lower the pH level to an idea range for freshwater fish / plants? I have read about special water additives to help control pH levels, would anyone recommend that route?
Also, do I need to be worried about the GH results, and if so, how would you recommend going about lowering them?