A couple of questions.

[annielauri]

Ok, so my cycle has finally finished!!! YEAHHHHHHHHHH! I tested yesterday and today and am finally showing 0 ammonia, 0 nitrites, and about 20 nitrates.

1st question - My fish are pretty used to having twice daily water changes of up to 50%. I was doing tons of it because of going through the cycle and not wanting them to feel sick. So, now that things have stabilized, should I slowly back off on the water changes? Or, am I good to go on just doing them once a week?

2nd question - My PH is really high. My reg. tap after sitting for 2 days with no chemicals added is at about 8.0. I tested my tank this morning and it is at about 8.6 - 8.8. What are some natural ways to lower PH? I really don't want to be adding tons of chemicals if I can help it.

My fish are all looking good except for the one platy that gets picked on. Are they (mollies, platys, and albino cories) OK with that high of a PH?

 

[mugginns]

How big is your tank? twice daily water changes of 50% is a LOT of water.

 

[neilanh]

YOu can drop to once a week now that things seem to have stabilized. I'd keep testing for another few days daily just to be sure.

A good way to lower pH is by adding driftwood, although I don't know how low you're hoping to go. A stable pH is more important than a targetted pH., as long as fish are acclimated to it properly.

 

[Ketso]

YOu can drop to once a week now that things seem to have stabilized. I'd keep testing for another few days daily just to be sure.

A good way to lower pH is by adding driftwood, although I don't know how low you're hoping to go. A stable pH is more important than a targetted pH., as long as fish are acclimated to it properly.

Agreed! My tap PH is right at 8. After adding driftwood to the tank, it dropped to 7.5.