Hello all I'm new to this site living in the north eastern seaboard was just recently I'll hit with Hurricane Sandy. I've lost my power for about 5 days but ran a generator on and off for my fish tank. I've got a 49 gallon tank 5 yrs old with 8" tinfoil barb, golden gurami, polka dot pleco & leopard pleco, 3 very small silver dollars a clown loach and what just passed away this Monday my 6" 5 yr old bala shark.
Okay so I freaked out after my Bala shark passed like within hours for no significant reasons. I brought my water into local pet store and my ph level was very acidic around 6.00 or lower....
I haven't tested my water probably in the past 2 years thriving so I thought felt i hsd no need. The woman at the store recommend I use pH up with the liquid test kit. I use the recommended amount on a daily basis every 24 hours still no change to my ph level in fact it was a darker yellow then what I started with. In frustration I did the unthinkable and put 2 tablespoons of baking soda in my tank..... way too much too soon .
This was Wednesday night I freaked out again and did a n 45 percent water change immediately after adding baking soda. The following day Thursday morning I added a couple drops of pH down but not even the recommended dose I want to leave well enough alone. Today being Friday at 10 o'clock at night I did a 30 percent water change and my PH levels probably stable since Wednesday night and no change in color whatsoever I want to say is probably 8.0.
I really do not wish to add any more chemicals to my tank I'm just praying as I notice their bodies and fins are somewhat clear however they do look like they still have a slime coat and my lemon polka dot pleco is hiding as usual so I can assess her.
In reading many many posts since last week up until today I found that I shouldn't do anything just perhaps water changes and say my prayers.
I understand I may use a little diluted vinegar but I'm also afraid to do that any suggestions out there I really don't want to lose my fish the thriving for 5 years..... I'm assuming all this started from the electric going on and off for 5 days during the hurricane however maybe my fish just died of old age and now I have a pH problem a lot bigger.
Thank you for your help and advice have a good night.
Ginger
New York