Alkaline water?!?

[Olivia97]

Help, I just tested my water as I noticed my axie was a little quiet and it shows a completely alkaline reading. Is there any idea why this has happened and how to fix it?

 

[Kaysie]

Is it suddenly alkaline or have you ever tested before? Axies can tolerate a wide range in pH, and generally prefer harder water.

 

[Olivia97]

The water has always been on the alkaline side however I have just noticed its moved into about 7.8 pH

 

[Kaysie]

I wouldn't sweat that any. Unless the pH creeps over 8ish, I wouldn't worry about it.

 

[xcoregamerskill]

you could try conditioning the water with holtrefeter's solution, and possibly a weak base like a little dissolved baking soda.

 

[Kaysie]

A base will only serve to increase the alkalinity/pH. You would need an acid to bring it down. But again, I really don't think that's necessary, as this is not out of acceptable range.

 

[Olivia97]

Yea i dont think so either, he seems happy enough

 

[xcoregamerskill]

A base will only serve to increase the alkalinity/pH. You would need an acid to bring it down. But again, I really don't think that's necessary, as this is not out of acceptable range.

WOW, what is wrong with me??? i really ought not to post when im that tired. you should delete that one. sorry.

 

[Kaysie]

Hehe, we all have those days.

Having basic water is less of a concern as aquariums tend to get more acidic over time anyway.

 

[Olivia97]

yea, thanks for your input. Could i just ask, is it a problem having never cycled a tank? My axolotl has never had any trouble with it and I have never noticed any ammonia spikes.

 

[xcoregamerskill]

how long have you had him in there? the tank will cycle naturally with you lotl in there, actually, having him in there helps cycle it. just as long as you do your water changes, which I forgot to mention. Changing the water, (depending on the pH of what you're putting in there) will help balance it a bit. 7.8 isn't too far off of neutral, tho.

 

[Olivia97]

I don't know, as long as I've had any animals the tank was never properly cycled