FishieMomma
Aquarium Advice Freak
- Joined
- Jul 12, 2011
- Messages
- 499
My fish have been dying off because of two major ammonia spikes last month and an unexplained BBs die off. (at least I think that's why). I change 50% of the water most every day - never more than every other day as by then the ammonia levels reach .25ppm. Out of curiosity I tested my water's ph which had always showed a slightly high level of 7.4. Today it tested at 8.2! Could this new higher pH have killed off the BBs which may be partially responsible for the fish deaths?
I've heard adding peat to the filter can help with lowering the ph but will the resulting changes in pH from the tap, which consistently tests at 7.4, hurt the fish also? ETA: 55 gallon, was cycled for 2.5 years. Right now one Opaline DG, 2 Cories (there were more 3 neon tetra (thre were more of these, too. And 3 black neon tetras. Half planted with plenty of hiding spots between the driftwood (been in the tank for a year at least) and a few plastic plants with them.
Ammonia never at more than .25ppm due to daily testing and near daily 50% water changes.
nitrate always zer.
nitrate always 5.0
Could the higher pH deplete too much oxygen? I have two filters, an Aqueon 50, and an Aquaclear 50 plus a bubbler in the middle of the tank. Also a heater which keeps the tank at 78°. I do declorinate with Prime and temperature match.
I've heard adding peat to the filter can help with lowering the ph but will the resulting changes in pH from the tap, which consistently tests at 7.4, hurt the fish also? ETA: 55 gallon, was cycled for 2.5 years. Right now one Opaline DG, 2 Cories (there were more 3 neon tetra (thre were more of these, too. And 3 black neon tetras. Half planted with plenty of hiding spots between the driftwood (been in the tank for a year at least) and a few plastic plants with them.
Ammonia never at more than .25ppm due to daily testing and near daily 50% water changes.
nitrate always zer.
nitrate always 5.0
Could the higher pH deplete too much oxygen? I have two filters, an Aqueon 50, and an Aquaclear 50 plus a bubbler in the middle of the tank. Also a heater which keeps the tank at 78°. I do declorinate with Prime and temperature match.