some help in PH level...

[butterlim]

Hi all, previously I had kept my shrimps in a 30cm tank for about 4 months. They are surviving well and good. But after upgrading to a 2feet tank, problems start to arise.

My mother who is also interested, often went alone to get DW or plants to place inside the tank. Problem is, she only rinse the plants/DW before placing them into the tank. She also added crystals into the tank as well. Some are fake crystals, some are real Swarovski crystals. Besides that, she always change my sponge that is wrapped around the canister pipe. She used rubber band to secure it.

I'm not sure whether all this cause my water ph to rise. Yest my ph reading is at 7.6. So can anybody tell me?

My 2 feet tank is running on a canister with only ceramic rings and sponge. I've yet to get media for it.. Not sure what kind of media to get too. It's also running on a hailea 150a chiller with temp set at 26 degree. I had 20% water change everyweek with mosura dosage - Shizhen, BT 9, Gravidas, old sea mud, Rich Water.

My tank only have cherry and sakura now. Won't be getting any good shrimp until my tank is safe.

[stormhawk]

The crystals in the tank may be affecting the pH. Unless you are truly sure the crystals are inert, do not place them in the tank. Certain ceramic rings can cause the pH to rise though I'm not sure which brands will alter the pH.

What substrate are you using in the 2 ft tank?

[butterlim]

using mosura soil...
Don't think is my ceramic rings.. cos previously i had them in my small tank. No problem with it.

[stormhawk]

It's probably the crystals then. If you are worried, take out the crystals and do water change with distilled water to bring down the pH.

[butterlim]

okie thanks, i will try to remove the crystals and monitor it. Thanks!

[ZackZhou]

using mosura soil...
Don't think is my ceramic rings.. cos previously i had them in my small tank. No problem with it.

Did you use the same mosura soil that you used in your 1 feet tank and transfer them to the 2 feet?

[ZackZhou]

It's probably the crystals then. If you are worried, take out the crystals and do water change with distilled water to bring down the pH.

Real crystals = quartz
Fake crystals = plastic
Shouldn't be affecting parameters in my opinion.

[butterlim]

Nope.. my old tank is using normal shrimp/plant gex soil..
The tank is cycle for near 4 weeks before i add any livestocks to it..

if the crystal isn't the problem, then what is it?

[ZackZhou]

Nope.. my old tank is using normal shrimp/plant gex soil..
The tank is cycle for near 4 weeks before i add any livestocks to it..

if the crystal isn't the problem, then what is it?

The mosura soil you got it new or used?
And your tap water ph?