Shrimp tank pH and kH problem

[xconnect.]

Well API gh for my experience is very cannot make it. results sera test kits better for me

[cheetf]

Have you check your ph from the source of your water? If really want to increase ph fast can consider using coral chips or additives to increase the ph for the time being.

But then still better to perform the water cycle longer.

Wondering are you really so rushing introducing livestocks?

He say don't want to risk using coral chips, that is why I suggest for him to change water.

[avex30]

My problem with API gh and kh test kit is I can't tell did it actually change colour. But with sera it is clear cut to the point.

[cheetf]

I normally use 10 ml of water to test instead of 5 ml. It takes twice the amount of the drops but it is easier to see the colour change.

[muthubaba]

I normally use 10 ml of water to test instead of 5 ml. It takes twice the amount of the drops but it is easier to see the colour change.

For API or Sera?

[cheetf]

Mainly for API.

[muthubaba]

API Test tube has a 10 ml marking?

[cheetf]

I use the sera test tube.

[muthubaba]

Oh i see. Its more accurate/easier to see results this way?

[cheetf]

I find it so.

[huizhong]

Well API gh for my experience is very cannot make it. results sera test kits better for me

for me i find API reliable. try to see the colour change against a white background.
i cant remember i bought sera or tetra gh test kit and find it doesn't work because after like 10-20 drops the colour didn't change. maybe the product expired or what i don't know.

[muthubaba]

Oh i see.. i'll try it with 10 ml and against white background. Anyway just an update, Ammonia, Nitrite and Nitrate have all become zero. GH 3-4 and KH 1(i think).
Only is pH which was last checked last night 4.5 again. Did a small water change and havent checked yet.

[muthubaba]

pH level is still very low. Currently after WC pH now 5.5. Could it be that my kH is acctually not 1, which is why the pH is this way. From as low as 4.5 to 5.5. Please advice. Have been running this tank for 42 days to be exact. Is there something wrong?

[ZackZhou]

pH level is still very low. Currently after WC pH now 5.5. Could it be that my kH is acctually not 1, which is why the pH is this way. From as low as 4.5 to 5.5. Please advice. Have been running this tank for 42 days to be exact. Is there something wrong?

I think what you should have worried about is weather the nitrogen cycle did take place at such low ph, with 0 nitrate currently.

[muthubaba]

Initial setup the early weeks was high ammonia readings off the chart, followed by nitrite rising and later nitrate rising as well. nitrite rise to a high level and slowly decreased to 0, while ammonia and nitrate both remained high until later weeks before being reduced to low readings. So the cycle didn't take place?

[ZackZhou]

Sorry, in that case the nitrogen cycle did take place.

New Amazonia actually takes a longer while to finish its cycle. My last tank (1.5feet) took 1.5 months, while other did reflect similar situations as well. So just wait for the cycle to finish on the whole, haha.

If the situation was not solved, then you have to tell us a few key information in order for fellow forum members to suggest you.
1. Tap water ph in your location after aging.
2. Additives you add on a regular basis.
3. Plants/livestocks currently.
4. Water change regime.

[muthubaba]

Oh okayy then.. I will just wait somemore