Dead reef rock = ph up, 9+

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geoffgarcia2

Large Fish
#1
Oct 22, 2002
347
0
0
#1
Hey everyone, I'm one of those people that just throws whatever I find in my tank...driftwood, river rocks, plastic toys, beer bottles, scraps from my dinner, you name it...

I think of it as trial and error:)

anyway, I just started up a new tank, there is nothing in it except for 8-10 live plants, a Magnum HOT filter and 30lbs of flourite. So its pretty normal...

the latest thing i've thrown into my tank is about 8-15 pounds of dead reef rock

First off I can say its EASILY the best decoration I've ever added to my tank even beating out the day I painted the back of my tank black!

my fish LOVE playing in all the holes and nooks and crannies and tunnels and stuff!!

and plants seem to attach to its pourous surface VERY easily! which is another bonus!

However! it (I'm assuming its the rock) has driven my ph up like crazy:)

Its been in there for about 2 months. I haven't had any problems keeping any fish (other than bettas!)

my current fish list includes:
3 khuli loaches (which I rarely see)
6 ottos
6 cardinal tetras
3 pygmy corys
1 female betta


I did a water change 2 days ago, and yesterday went to my lfs with some water for them to test for me.
My ph is off the chart of the HIGH ph measuring charts, and the heights that chart measured is about 8.8, so I think its up around 9.3-10 ish

anyway, thought it was interesting and something to point out. I knew the rock would have an effect on the PH but didn't know it would be so much!

My lfs said that cichlids would love ph that high, and since the rock is sooo porous and full of places for fish to hide some of you may want to look into it for your africans!!!

At first the rock was fairly white looking, but now its grown some brown algae and collected some floating debris so its looking VERY natural in there!

I haven't gotten my water hardness tested although that should be interesting as well I think? would the rock make it go up or down?

Geoff
 

NTidd

NTidd

Large Fish
#3
Oct 22, 2002
327
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42
Kalamazoo, MI
#3
It's probably because reef rock will raise the ph because they are supposed to. Just keep adding ph down every week or so until it's down to you target, and then try to keep it there.
 

W

wayne

Elite Fish
#4
Oct 22, 2002
4,077
3
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#4
You have absolutely no hope of using pH down as it will simply be neutralised by the massive buffering effects of x pounds of reef rock. You'll need to add pH down every week till the reef rock is completely dissolved for this too work. Live with the pH or lose the rock
 

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geoffgarcia2

Large Fish
#10
Oct 22, 2002
347
0
0
#10
well except for the last of my betta who went blind (from my 250w mh lighting, I suspect) and bit the dust

none of the fish seem to complain. In fact my ottos and pgymy corys seem happier and more active than I've ever seen these fish get!!!

The khulis adore the rock and also are much much more active during the day then in all my past experiences with these fish.

SOooo...the rocks definatly staying, I never had any plans on using any ph altering chemicals

ooh, and I think my tap water is soft also (well water) when I shower its like ya never feel clean cuz you can never EVER get the soapy slimy feeling off? anyone know that feeling? I think thats from super soft water right?

Next time I go to my lfs I'll bring a tap water and a tank water sample

Will make sure to get tests on ph, kh and gh so you guys know what the reaction to the rock is (although my pressurized co2 tank should b helping hold the co2 levels down I'm guessing?)
 

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