Crazy ph difference

[bgmann12]

So my tank has a ph of 6.0 (using liquid test kits) so I decided to test the ph on my tap water and got 7.6. So what causes this crazy shift in ph.

 

[emerald76]

What do you have in the filter?


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[emerald76]

Those rocks look like they should make the ph go up, not down


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[bgmann12]

Normal cartridge that comes in them

 

[emerald76]

Weird, I've no clue


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[bgmann12]

Same here, I'm adding proper ph 7.0 by API to bring it up though

 

[gilpi]

Do you have fish in it?


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[bgmann12]

2 rainbow fish and 2 cory catfish

 

[gilpi]

I'm also thinking the filter hasn't been cycled since those filter cartridges don't hold enough media for enough bacteria to grow.


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[bgmann12]

It has been fine for a year so why would that make a difference and doesn't bb grow in the tank on everything.

 

[gilpi]

Not really, it grows where water runs through, like the filter. Picture the bacteria clinging on to the sponge or floss in the filter, as water runs through it, it gets the oxygen it needs to thrive.
Another reason why you never change the filter media.


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[bgmann12]

Ok but isn't that for ammonia nitrite and nitrate not ph

 

[gilpi]

Do you vacuum the gravel?


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[bgmann12]

Yes once a week

 

[gilpi]

It looks like you clean your tank often and its a good thing especially since it's not cycled.
Ph drops like that can be caused by poor maintenance which I'm sure it's not the case and maybe your tap water could have a low KH reading being unable to maintain a steady pH and can be the cause of the pH drop you're experiencing.


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[bgmann12]

But it is cycled. It has. Been for almost a year

 

[gilpi]

Ok I didn't know, I was thinking you just change filter cartridges every once in a while




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[Fresh2o]

Try this: set out some tap water overnight and test the pH tomorrow. As dissolved gasses are dissipated, the pH may or may not shift.
If the pH does not change, then take a sample of the gravel and a few of the rocks and place them in separate containers of tap water. Let them sit and test the pH. You may or may not find the source of the pH drop.


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[dalto]

I'm also thinking the filter hasn't been cycled since those filter cartridges don't hold enough media for enough bacteria to grow.

Of course they do, you just throw most of it away when you change the cartridge.

How long has it been since your last water change and how often do you do them?

 

[Mebbid]

I'm also thinking the filter hasn't been cycled since those filter cartridges don't hold enough media for enough bacteria to grow.


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If they didnt, then just about every aquarium on the planet would have constant levels of ammonia.

I agree that it's likely to be a degassing of the water causing the ph shift.