I just started a 55g aquarium about a week ago. The pH of our tap water is about 7.5, however, for the past 6 days, my tank has been stuck at about 8.5. When we first filled the tank, we had shells and geodes added for decoration. After 4 days had passed of the pH being stuck at 8.5, I decided to remove the shells and the geodes and replace about 2/3 of the water. The same day I took the water sample to petsmart. The pH was lowered to about 7.8, and there were a slight indication of nitrates present. I figured I had fixed the problem, so I decided to get 5 neon tetras to start the tank off. A day later, I saw a fish swimming sideways and upside down. Not even an hour later, I see it dead at the bottom of the tank. I decided to take the fish back to petsmart to get the refund and test the water. The pH had raised back to 8.5 and the water hardness was really high. I don't want to get pH down chemicals because I read that was bad for the fish and it doesn't last. I also read that driftwood may help, but I have seen no success stories of it actually working.
It turns out my sink that I used to fill the tank does not produced softened water unless it is hot. I was wondering if it would be a good option to take remaining 4 tetras out and place them in a bowl while I empty all the water, rinse the gravel and decor, then fill the water back up with softened water.
At this point I dont think I will be able to lower the pH in my tank, so I feel like my only options are to see how long all my fish will live, or try and save them by replacing the water. I am still new to this hobby, so I was hoping I could get some more experienced advice on what I should do.
It turns out my sink that I used to fill the tank does not produced softened water unless it is hot. I was wondering if it would be a good option to take remaining 4 tetras out and place them in a bowl while I empty all the water, rinse the gravel and decor, then fill the water back up with softened water.
At this point I dont think I will be able to lower the pH in my tank, so I feel like my only options are to see how long all my fish will live, or try and save them by replacing the water. I am still new to this hobby, so I was hoping I could get some more experienced advice on what I should do.