What do I do now (with these reading)

I have been taking out 1/4th of the water in my 20 gallon tank for the last
week. The four remaining fish seem to be doing well (After the quick die off
of the other 4) and have been taking readings twice a day. I am not changing
the water again until Sunday (When I have time). Here are my current
readings as of 20 minutes ago. I used Mardel Freshwater Test Strips.

Nitrate-20 ppm (Safe)
Nitrite-0 ppm (Safe)
ppm total hardness - 50 (Moderate)
ppm total alkalinity/buffering capacity-240
ph -8.4

What now?

Also I have a fern type plant in the tank and it seems the four remaining
fish are eating it down to the nub. Is this normal? Also the fish are eating
what I put in the tank and what remains on the bottom they eat off and
on..normal?

Can I put Tank Buddies ph leveler tabs in the tank with the fish in thier?
The box doesnt say one way or another.

TIA
Jeff

"Jeff" wrote in message
...
I have been taking out 1/4th of the water in my 20 gallon tank for the
last
week. The four remaining fish seem to be doing well (After the quick
die off
of the other 4) and have been taking readings twice a day. I am not
changing
the water again until Sunday (When I have time). Here are my current
readings as of 20 minutes ago. I used Mardel Freshwater Test Strips.

Nitrate-20 ppm (Safe)
Nitrite-0 ppm (Safe)
ppm total hardness - 50 (Moderate)
ppm total alkalinity/buffering capacity-240
ph -8.4

What now?

Looks better than my water at home, and I have had the same healthy fish
for years (plus offspring). At a pH of 8.4, select fish which like that
level. Always easier to match fish to water than the reverse.

Also I have a fern type plant in the tank and it seems the four
remaining
fish are eating it down to the nub. Is this normal? Also the fish are
eating
what I put in the tank and what remains on the bottom they eat off and
on..normal?

You would have to specify the types of fish you have, but many fish are
opportunistic and omnivorous (meat & vegetables) so it doesn't sound too
unusual. You can keep some thick skinned plants with some fish.

Can I put Tank Buddies ph leveler tabs in the tank with the fish in
thier?
The box doesnt say one way or another.

PH adjusters are generally bad, for a variety of reasons. Always easier
to match fish to water than the reverse. Better for them, better for
you.
--
www.NetMax.tk

TIA
Jeff