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My aquarium water tests are great for nitrates, ammonia, softness, ph, but the alkaline levels2007-11-24 23:38:05

sitll who high readings. I think my two mollies are dying, but the feeder fish I bought are striving. What can I do about the alkaline level?

Answers:

Alkalinity refers to the carbonate hardness of your water (also known as kH).

As long as it is stable, it probably isn't why you're experiencing losses. Mollies are actually suited to high alkaline conditions (10-20dkh or 178-356ppm is fine).

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Call up your local pet store and ask. I'm sure they have some drops you can add to your water to adjust this.

Good luck!

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im basing this on my biology background. im in no way an expert on fishes or aquariums.

nitrates and ammonia can cause the pH to increase (more basic). is the aquarium well aerated? and how often do you change your water? if animal wastes accumulate they can cause the pH to increase. and lack of dissolved oxygen (which can be caused by high levels of organic wastes in the water) can cause the death of your fish.

that is just my guess. try to see the vet.

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As far as I know alkaline levels are a reference to pH. The water can be either too acidic or alkaline. I believe that the mollies would prefer a pH of about 7.0. If your tank is reading to high then you need head to the pet store and pick up some pH balancer. They sell many different brands and types. The root of your problem may be hard water. Are you using water from the tap? If so, you may need to soften the water you put it into the tank. This can be a long dragged out process or you can check your local pet store for some items that will make it easier like a water softening pillow. Good luck, I hope it all works out.

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Do a water change, remove one third of the volume of water and refill with fresh water with the chemicals removed (products available at pet stores) but if you are worried about your fish and have no chemistry, go ahead and change the water without treating. Also test the water coming out of your tap.