High PH in new Tank

[fishbowl]

I setup a 6 foot tank about a month ago with a seeded internal filter, as well as a seeded external canister, with a couple of pieces of driftwood, and gravel base. I've also put in some hardy cichlids to start the cycling process a couple of weeks ago.
I did some tests yesterday, with the following results:
PH: 7.8-8
Ammonia: 0
Nitrate: 30
Nitrite: 0
As I'm setting this tank up for my catfish, the PH is quite high, so I tested my tap water, which has come up at a PH of 8.

Is the high PH in the tank a result of the tank still being new, or will I have to reduce the PH down myself, as I have other established tanks which I use the same tap water on, which are neutral in PH.

Your help is greatly appreciated.

 

[Brengun]

I wasnt sure so I consulted some ppl down in nsw who also have high ph out of the tap. The consensis is you will have to use ph down over the period of a week or two to get it just how you want it, and/or get some peat and put it in the canister. You could also add low ph reverse osmosis water.

 

[fishbowl]

High PH

Thanks Brenda, I was trying to avoid using chemicals, so I guess it might be inevitable at the start. If I use Peat Moss as an alternative and with it staining the water, will it still have an effect if I keep th carbon in the canister?

Also do you think the ph will start to drop down as the tank becomes more established?

 

[bigbird]

if your seeded filter comes from an african tank, it may be that the build up of salts etc in the filter are making your PH so high. I would change part of the media and add some almond leaves. You should see the PH lowered through this. cheers jk

 

[odie_88]

I agree with adding peat, you can buy those peat pots from Bunning (very easy and non-messy). They are like cardboard and you can rip them apart and place it in the cannister...

My tap water is 7.5-8 as well (Sydney). I've added peat and the Ph comes right down to about 6.0-6.5... If anything i had to remove some peat to try and adjust it back to about 6.8-7.2...

its a little hassle, but much better than chemical

 

[fishbowl]

High PH

Thank you Bigbird, and no the seeded filter came from another catfish tank. Also thanks Odie, I think I'll give the peat moss a go, did you leave the carbon in the canister or did you take it out?

 

[bigbird]

take out the carbon. I never use it. Also add some almond leaves cheers jk :thumbup:

 

[fishbowl]

Indian Almond Leaf

Thanks JK, where do you buy the Indian Almond Leaf from?

 

[AusPleco]

Thanks JK, where do you buy the Indian Almond Leaf from?

http://www.bettawan.com/index.html

 

[Vuk]

If using peat should more regular smaller water changes be done rather than 1 big one to stop a pH spike?
I am also having problems with my pH...8.3 from the tap!

 

[Lornek8]

If using peat should more regular smaller water changes be done rather than 1 big one to stop a pH spike?
I am also having problems with my pH...8.3 from the tap!

Yes. Also the water needs to be monitored as peat gets depleted over time.

The pH in a tank will naturally drop over time if water changes are not accomplished. This is due to the acidity of fish wastes that build up in the tank water. If allowed to go long enough without water changes, the pH can drop enough to create a substantial difference between the tank & the tap water. Thus when a large water change is then accomplished the tank goes through a sudden pH change. The problems associated with this type of occurence are often refered to as old-tank syndrome.