| Q and A - Rocks and pH |
| Question: I just purchased a 55-gallon tank. It has been up and running for three weeks. I found some flat rocks along a highway. Boiled them before putting them in the tank. I think that they might be limestone. I have just gotten the ammonia to (0), but the nitrites are high, changed some of the water out and added salt at a rate of 1 teaspoon per 10 gallons of water. However the Ph is very high at least according to my test kit chart at 7.6 or higher. Are the rocks causing the Ph to stay so high? Answer: Yes, if your rock is actually limestone, it is probably the cause for the pH elevation in your aquarium water. Limestone is calcareous, and is known for its ability to both harden the water and increase the pH. In fact, if someone asks me how to raise water pH, one method I suggest is to place limestone, crushed coral, or any highly calcareous material in their filter. Your water may also be naturally hard and alkaline, which adds further to the high pH. I'd definitely recommend testing the rock, and if there is any doubt, remove it entirely. Testing Rocks Another means of testing the effect an unknown rock will have on your aquarium is to fill a bucket with water from the water source you plan to use. Then test and record the pH, hardness, nitrates, and phosphates. Place the rock in the bucket, let it soak for a week and test the water again. If there are no changes, the rocks are not likely to cause a problem. If the parameters change considerably, I'd advise against using the rock in question. Altering pH In other words, keeping the pH at a steady state is just as important as the pH value itself. For that reason I suggest choosing fish that thrive in the pH of the water you have, or find a water source that is already in the range you desire, rather than attempting to make major changes in the pH. If your water naturally hard and alkaline, choose fish such as African cichlids that thrive in that environment. If your water is naturally soft and acidic, consider fish such as members of the tetra family, who relish that type of water. P]NitriteLastly, the nitrite is expected, as you are three weeks into a newly set up aquarium. Occasionally some aquariums get stuck on the nitrite portion of the cycle, but odds are you will see it drop within the next week or two. Good luck with your new tank. Send a photo when you get stocked. |
| ~ Shirlie Sharpe |