New Tank pH questions

Hello,

I have a few questions....I've read through the FAQ and think I have
some answers (and some I suspected anyway), but just to be sure...

I purchased my kids a 5 gallon hex tank for Christmas. Yes, I know it's
waaaay to small, but so are the kids and I just wanted to get them started.

The skinny:
Live plants (anacharis and cabomba, probably 5 plants each)
Fluorite substrate, rinsed the gunk out in the tub (no other gravel)
Filter system that came with the tank (new charcoal impregnated pad,
sucks in the mid-bottom of the tank, spills back in the top)
Well water, softened
Added chlorine/chloramine remover (probably unnecessary)
Planted plants and left tank for 5 days

Purchased: 5 black neon tetras, 1 catfish and 1 dwarf african frog
(again, yes, too many fish, pet store didn't say anything and I'm a
fishtank dope, apparently). Also have a snail (hitchiker) whom I'm
trying to catch and eliminate. One tetra died on the way home from the
store, three others have since died. We purchsed 2 more black neon
tetras (bringing the tetras in the tank to 3) and are in a holding pattern.

Tested the water chemistry: pH 7.4-7.6, med. hardness, low nitrates,
nitrites and ammonia. Pet store recommended "pH down" which isn't
working because the buffering capacity of my tank is too high (see I did
read the faq). In fact, very interesting to me as I'm a chemist, as I
added the pH down, the pH stayed stable and the hardness increased. I
understand why now that I've read the faq and seen what the hardness
test measures. I am unwilling to break the buffer to support the tetras,
the catfish and the frog are doing OK at this pH and should continue?

So I suppose my question is....should I get some different fish once the
tetras go, and if so, what kind? I liked the harlequin rasboras (think
colorful for the kids), but I'm thinking I'm at the top end of their pH
range.

Thanks in advance for any advice. kk

"kk" wrote in message
m...
Hello,

I have a few questions....I've read through the FAQ and think I have
some answers (and some I suspected anyway), but just to be sure...

I purchased my kids a 5 gallon hex tank for Christmas. Yes, I know it's
waaaay to small, but so are the kids and I just wanted to get them
started.

The skinny:
Live plants (anacharis and cabomba, probably 5 plants each)
Fluorite substrate, rinsed the gunk out in the tub (no other
gravel)
Filter system that came with the tank (new charcoal impregnated
pad,
sucks in the mid-bottom of the tank, spills back in the top)
Well water, softened
Added chlorine/chloramine remover (probably unnecessary)
Planted plants and left tank for 5 days

Purchased: 5 black neon tetras, 1 catfish and 1 dwarf african frog
(again, yes, too many fish, pet store didn't say anything and I'm a
fishtank dope, apparently). Also have a snail (hitchiker) whom I'm
trying to catch and eliminate. One tetra died on the way home from the
store, three others have since died. We purchsed 2 more black neon
tetras (bringing the tetras in the tank to 3) and are in a holding
pattern.

Tested the water chemistry: pH 7.4-7.6, med. hardness, low nitrates,
nitrites and ammonia. Pet store recommended "pH down" which isn't
working because the buffering capacity of my tank is too high (see I
did
read the faq). In fact, very interesting to me as I'm a chemist, as I
added the pH down, the pH stayed stable and the hardness increased. I
understand why now that I've read the faq and seen what the hardness
test measures. I am unwilling to break the buffer to support the
tetras,
the catfish and the frog are doing OK at this pH and should continue?

So I suppose my question is....should I get some different fish once
the
tetras go, and if so, what kind? I liked the harlequin rasboras (think
colorful for the kids), but I'm thinking I'm at the top end of their pH
range.

Black Neons, an ADF and a cory would be fine at a steady 7.4 to 7.6pH so
I would recommend not adding chemicals (which would mostly be absorbed by
your high alkalinity anyways). I keep all my tetras in 7.6pH (3dgH, 1dkH
and they are not fussy about kH). A partial list would be Neons,
Glolites, Black Neons, Pristella, Silvertips, Head & Tail Light, Red-eye,
Emperor, Harlequin Rasboras, Rummy-nose, Black Skirt & Green tetras.
Keep the parameters stable, and let it soften a bit (ie: with a little
piece of some Mopani driftwood and/or replace your carbon with peat).
Watch your NH3 & NO2 levels (new tank syndrome) and feed sparingly (small
tanks pollute easily). JMO

NetMax

Thanks in advance for any advice. kk

Thanks! I was unhappy with adjusting the tank chemistry. I did notice
the uneaten food beginning to pile up (after 1 feeding) and am trying to
be careful. As an aside, my anacharis (and to a lesser extent the
cabomba) are growing like, well, weeds. The larger plants have easily
added 3 inches of growth in the time since I began adding the pH down
(also makes sense given what I read in the faq). I'll be nipping them
off about 2/3 of the way up and replanting the new cut (removing the
old). kk

NetMax wrote:
"kk" wrote in message
m...

Hello,

I have a few questions....I've read through the FAQ and think I have
some answers (and some I suspected anyway), but just to be sure...

I purchased my kids a 5 gallon hex tank for Christmas. Yes, I know it's
waaaay to small, but so are the kids and I just wanted to get them

started.

The skinny:
Live plants (anacharis and cabomba, probably 5 plants each)
Fluorite substrate, rinsed the gunk out in the tub (no other

gravel)

Filter system that came with the tank (new charcoal impregnated

pad,

sucks in the mid-bottom of the tank, spills back in the top)
Well water, softened
Added chlorine/chloramine remover (probably unnecessary)
Planted plants and left tank for 5 days

Purchased: 5 black neon tetras, 1 catfish and 1 dwarf african frog
(again, yes, too many fish, pet store didn't say anything and I'm a
fishtank dope, apparently). Also have a snail (hitchiker) whom I'm
trying to catch and eliminate. One tetra died on the way home from the
store, three others have since died. We purchsed 2 more black neon
tetras (bringing the tetras in the tank to 3) and are in a holding

pattern.

Tested the water chemistry: pH 7.4-7.6, med. hardness, low nitrates,
nitrites and ammonia. Pet store recommended "pH down" which isn't
working because the buffering capacity of my tank is too high (see I

did

read the faq). In fact, very interesting to me as I'm a chemist, as I
added the pH down, the pH stayed stable and the hardness increased. I
understand why now that I've read the faq and seen what the hardness
test measures. I am unwilling to break the buffer to support the

tetras,

the catfish and the frog are doing OK at this pH and should continue?

So I suppose my question is....should I get some different fish once

the

tetras go, and if so, what kind? I liked the harlequin rasboras (think
colorful for the kids), but I'm thinking I'm at the top end of their pH
range.


Black Neons, an ADF and a cory would be fine at a steady 7.4 to 7.6pH so
I would recommend not adding chemicals (which would mostly be absorbed by
your high alkalinity anyways). I keep all my tetras in 7.6pH (3dgH, 1dkH
and they are not fussy about kH). A partial list would be Neons,
Glolites, Black Neons, Pristella, Silvertips, Head & Tail Light, Red-eye,
Emperor, Harlequin Rasboras, Rummy-nose, Black Skirt & Green tetras.
Keep the parameters stable, and let it soften a bit (ie: with a little
piece of some Mopani driftwood and/or replace your carbon with peat).
Watch your NH3 & NO2 levels (new tank syndrome) and feed sparingly (small
tanks pollute easily). JMO

NetMax


Thanks in advance for any advice. kk

I cannot comment on your chemistry as I having similar struggles myself.
(see my post a couple above yours).

However, I would steer away from Neon Tetras until your tank is very
stable. They are sensitive fish.

Danios great ones to start with. They are hardy and provide lots of
movement. If you want to go for bright fish, go for Cardinal Tetras.
They look very similar, but are much hardier. I have had mine for many
years.

Overall (as I am sure you know) patience is the key. Avoid adding too
many fish early and stick add new fish progressively.

Best of luck!

kk wrote:

Hello,

I have a few questions....I've read through the FAQ and think I have
some answers (and some I suspected anyway), but just to be sure...

I purchased my kids a 5 gallon hex tank for Christmas. Yes, I know it's
waaaay to small, but so are the kids and I just wanted to get them started.

The skinny:
Live plants (anacharis and cabomba, probably 5 plants each)
Fluorite substrate, rinsed the gunk out in the tub (no other gravel)
Filter system that came with the tank (new charcoal impregnated pad,
sucks in the mid-bottom of the tank, spills back in the top)
Well water, softened
Added chlorine/chloramine remover (probably unnecessary)
Planted plants and left tank for 5 days

Purchased: 5 black neon tetras, 1 catfish and 1 dwarf african frog
(again, yes, too many fish, pet store didn't say anything and I'm a
fishtank dope, apparently). Also have a snail (hitchiker) whom I'm
trying to catch and eliminate. One tetra died on the way home from the
store, three others have since died. We purchsed 2 more black neon
tetras (bringing the tetras in the tank to 3) and are in a holding pattern.

Tested the water chemistry: pH 7.4-7.6, med. hardness, low nitrates,
nitrites and ammonia. Pet store recommended "pH down" which isn't
working because the buffering capacity of my tank is too high (see I did
read the faq). In fact, very interesting to me as I'm a chemist, as I
added the pH down, the pH stayed stable and the hardness increased. I
understand why now that I've read the faq and seen what the hardness
test measures. I am unwilling to break the buffer to support the tetras,
the catfish and the frog are doing OK at this pH and should continue?

So I suppose my question is....should I get some different fish once the
tetras go, and if so, what kind? I liked the harlequin rasboras (think
colorful for the kids), but I'm thinking I'm at the top end of their pH
range.

Thanks in advance for any advice. kk

Also guppys are bright and easy for the kids, they live in hard water.
Goldfish also are pretty hardy but they will out grow very soon your
aquarium and pollute very easily the environment.

you didnt say anything about your lighting, i assume its pretty high having
the cabomba.

best of luck.

"Peps" wrote in message
...
I cannot comment on your chemistry as I having similar struggles myself.
(see my post a couple above yours).

However, I would steer away from Neon Tetras until your tank is very
stable. They are sensitive fish.

Danios great ones to start with. They are hardy and provide lots of
movement. If you want to go for bright fish, go for Cardinal Tetras.
They look very similar, but are much hardier. I have had mine for many
years.

Overall (as I am sure you know) patience is the key. Avoid adding too
many fish early and stick add new fish progressively.

Best of luck!

kk wrote:

Hello,

I have a few questions....I've read through the FAQ and think I have
some answers (and some I suspected anyway), but just to be sure...

I purchased my kids a 5 gallon hex tank for Christmas. Yes, I know it's
waaaay to small, but so are the kids and I just wanted to get them
started.

The skinny:
Live plants (anacharis and cabomba, probably 5 plants each)
Fluorite substrate, rinsed the gunk out in the tub (no other gravel)
Filter system that came with the tank (new charcoal impregnated pad,
sucks in the mid-bottom of the tank, spills back in the top)
Well water, softened
Added chlorine/chloramine remover (probably unnecessary)
Planted plants and left tank for 5 days

Purchased: 5 black neon tetras, 1 catfish and 1 dwarf african frog
(again, yes, too many fish, pet store didn't say anything and I'm a
fishtank dope, apparently). Also have a snail (hitchiker) whom I'm
trying to catch and eliminate. One tetra died on the way home from the
store, three others have since died. We purchsed 2 more black neon
tetras (bringing the tetras in the tank to 3) and are in a holding
pattern.

Tested the water chemistry: pH 7.4-7.6, med. hardness, low nitrates,
nitrites and ammonia. Pet store recommended "pH down" which isn't
working because the buffering capacity of my tank is too high (see I did
read the faq). In fact, very interesting to me as I'm a chemist, as I
added the pH down, the pH stayed stable and the hardness increased. I
understand why now that I've read the faq and seen what the hardness
test measures. I am unwilling to break the buffer to support the tetras,
the catfish and the frog are doing OK at this pH and should continue?

So I suppose my question is....should I get some different fish once the
tetras go, and if so, what kind? I liked the harlequin rasboras (think
colorful for the kids), but I'm thinking I'm at the top end of their pH
range.

Thanks in advance for any advice. kk

"Peps" wrote in message
...
I cannot comment on your chemistry as I having similar struggles
myself.
(see my post a couple above yours).

However, I would steer away from Neon Tetras until your tank is very
stable. They are sensitive fish.

Danios great ones to start with. They are hardy and provide lots of
movement. If you want to go for bright fish, go for Cardinal Tetras.
They look very similar, but are much hardier. I have had mine for many
years.

Just a comment. Cardinals are larger than Neons, so by the basis of
size, more hardy, but their water parameter requirements are for more
acidic softer water, so your results might vary. Danios are a good
choice.

NetMax

Overall (as I am sure you know) patience is the key. Avoid adding too
many fish early and stick add new fish progressively.

Best of luck!

kk wrote:

Hello,

I have a few questions....I've read through the FAQ and think I have
some answers (and some I suspected anyway), but just to be sure...

I purchased my kids a 5 gallon hex tank for Christmas. Yes, I know
it's
waaaay to small, but so are the kids and I just wanted to get them
started.

The skinny:
Live plants (anacharis and cabomba, probably 5 plants each)
Fluorite substrate, rinsed the gunk out in the tub (no other
gravel)
Filter system that came with the tank (new charcoal impregnated
pad,
sucks in the mid-bottom of the tank, spills back in the top)
Well water, softened
Added chlorine/chloramine remover (probably unnecessary)
Planted plants and left tank for 5 days

Purchased: 5 black neon tetras, 1 catfish and 1 dwarf african frog
(again, yes, too many fish, pet store didn't say anything and I'm a
fishtank dope, apparently). Also have a snail (hitchiker) whom I'm
trying to catch and eliminate. One tetra died on the way home from
the
store, three others have since died. We purchsed 2 more black neon
tetras (bringing the tetras in the tank to 3) and are in a holding
pattern.

Tested the water chemistry: pH 7.4-7.6, med. hardness, low nitrates,
nitrites and ammonia. Pet store recommended "pH down" which isn't
working because the buffering capacity of my tank is too high (see I
did
read the faq). In fact, very interesting to me as I'm a chemist, as I
added the pH down, the pH stayed stable and the hardness increased. I
understand why now that I've read the faq and seen what the hardness
test measures. I am unwilling to break the buffer to support the
tetras,
the catfish and the frog are doing OK at this pH and should continue?

So I suppose my question is....should I get some different fish once
the
tetras go, and if so, what kind? I liked the harlequin rasboras
(think
colorful for the kids), but I'm thinking I'm at the top end of their
pH
range.

Thanks in advance for any advice. kk