PH

[Arianna7]

So I adopted my fish in April he lived in a very dirty water and with bad food but I don't know what his ph was since than his ph was stable 6.6-6.8 but he got sick in June and now he is much worst can it's happening because of ph?
Because everything else we do water changes every single week 50%
Good food nitrite 0 nitrate never more than 20 ammonia 0 but ph is 6.6-6.8 it's Jack Dempsey
Please help I'm thinking to add a baking soda tomorrow

 

[CMMorgan]

So I adopted my fish in April he lived in a very dirty water and with bad food but I don't know what his ph was since than his ph was stable 6.6-6.8 but he got sick in June and now he is much worst can it's happening because of ph?
Because everything else we do water changes every single week 50%
Good food nitrite 0 nitrate never more than 20 ammonia 0 but ph is 6.6-6.8 it's Jack Dempsey
Please help I'm thinking to add a baking soda tomorrow

What are your alk and calcium?

 

[Arianna7]

What are your alk and calcium?

What are your alk and calcium?

I'm sorry what that?

 

[Arianna7]

What are your alk and calcium?

I'm sorry what that?

 

[CMMorgan]

I'm sorry what that?

Alkalinity and Calcium
If you are putting in baking soda ... you are going to raise your alkalinity.

 

[Zach B]

What are you using to measure ph?

Edit, sorry seeing this is freshwater now

 

[fishingchuck]

Alk and calcium usually aren’t tested in the freshwater world.

 

[Arianna7]

Alkalinity and Calcium
If you are putting in baking soda ... you are going to raise your alkalinity.

Yes I know that because someone told me 6.6 it's low so I want get his ph on 7 that it but ws up with calcium how I should know? Is it a test??

 

[Arianna7]

Alk and calcium usually aren’t tested in the freshwater world.

Yes it's a fresh water I need 7 do you think 6.8 it's a low for a Jack Dempsey???

 

[redfishbluefish]

Arianna, welcome to R2R. Just so you know, R2R is a saltwater site, but that said, we do have a number of members who know freshwater as well. I'll start with the @ReefSquad to see if they can help or specifically know of members who know freshwater.

 

[fishingchuck]

That ph should be fine for a jack dempsey. They’re very adaptable fish.

 

[Arianna7]

Arianna, welcome to R2R. Just so you know, R2R is a saltwater site, but that said, we do have a number of members who know freshwater as well. I'll start with the @ReefSquad to see if they can help or specifically know of members who know freshwater.

Oh thank you so much no wonder someone recommend raise ph to 8.5

 

[CMMorgan]

Ah, I see... I just found your thread from earlier today and see that we are talking freshwater.
I'm going to bow out. This was already discussed earlier and I am not versed in freshwater tanks. Good luck to you.

 

[vetteguy53081]

6.8 is acidic. Raise to at least 7.5-7.8

 

[cyclone21]

6.8 is ok.... no prob

 

[cyclone21]

Agreed but he should be fine.. they are tough

 

[Arianna7]

That ph should be fine for a jack dempsey. They’re very adaptable fish.

Are you sure you don't think he get sick from that it's low but not lower than 6.6 but it's always stable
We did everything for him at least I know we trying I don't know why he got sick again

 

[Arianna7]

6.8 is acidic. Raise to at least 7.5-7.8

I want do 7

 

[Wasabiroot]

In the freshwater world, 6.8 is just fine, especially for a tough cichlid. If you want to raise the pH, do so slowly. I'd probably just leave it alone, honestly.

 

[N.Sreefer]

In Mexico/Honduras the ph sits from 6.4-7.2 anywhere in that range is perfect what are you feeding? Pea flour or fish meal can impact them or lead to nutritional deficiency.