High PH

[azman_haron]

Any one in Pasir Ris measured the PH and TDS of their tap water recently?

Mine is 7.9 and TDS 139. Both are measured using their respective meters

I am wondering if this is the reason why my PRL dont seem to have many babies. And the last batch of babies only lasted 3 weeks before they all died.

I top up/change 20% weekly.... and the tank water PH is now 6.9...dangerously high!!!

How can I safely reduce PH levels?

[Dscheng]

That is why shrimp breeder use RO/DI water. You might use distiller water. Their TDS is almost 0-12. PH is 6.0

You might also want to show your setup. Maybe we can advice you more.

[azman_haron]

Thanks..but i think i should have given the full picture

I started keeping PRL a year ago. I used RO water from NTUC. The PH at the time I set up the tank was measure at 6.2 using a PH pen borrowed from a friend; the PRL were thriving and multiplying.

A month ago, using the API test kit, I measured the water as:

PH = 6.4
NO2 = 0.2
NO3 = 0
TDS = 108

I have been topping up/water change using the same RO water until about a month ago because there was no stock. Instead I used aged tap water that was highly oxygenated from the air pump.

I have done 2 water changes using tap water. Since then I measured
PH = 6.8
NO2 = 0
NO3 = 0
TDS = 112

Water temperature maintained at 25C

Thanks

[Dscheng]

That good for you. Some reference of the idea water parameter. Your PH can be lower if possible.
How about KH & GH? FYI, usually PRL can survive on high PH, is the offspring (FRY) that can't survive.
The Fry are super super sensitive and can easily if the water parameter no good.

http://www.discobee.com/blogs/news/1...ter-parameters

[Urban Aquaria]

You tap water parameters are abit on the higher side for pH and TDS (the tap water at most places i tested locally are around pH 7.2-7.6 with 60-80 TDS)... but its still not too bad.

I'm guessing your building is situated in an older estate or area? That usually explains the higher pH and TDS, due to years of accumulated minerals and organics in the water tanks and pipe systems.

Anyways, if you want to maintain very specific acidic pH conditions and lower TDS levels in your shrimp tank, then in your case no choice have to either invest in a RO/DI unit or keep buying distilled water to do water top-ups and water changes.

[azman_haron]

Thanks UA!!

It really helps to know what the PH and TDS levels of other peoples tap water is

I was already considering getting an RO unit....hopefully it doesnt burn a big hole in my pocket...but it will still be cheaper than losing my PRLs

[Urban Aquaria]

Yeah, if you are keeping more expensive or sensitive shrimps like PRL, then its definitely best to invest in a good quality RO/DI unit to generate distilled water for long term usage.