New tank PH higher then tap water

[tomkeogh]

I filled my new aquarium last night to let it run I have just done a water test, Am, Ni and Na are 0 as they should be but the tank PH is 8 this is strange as my tap water PH is 6.8, Could I have a problem

 

[oceanblue]

There may be a problem. Is there anything in the tank such as a concrete ornament which could be leeching alkali? In itself a pH of 8 is OK but ammonia levels need to be watched very carefully if the tank is inhabited.

 

[tomkeogh]

Nearly every thing in the tank was in my old tank which always had same PH as tap water, which in itself is strange because I have been testing my old tank water daily and my tap water weekly and PH has always been 7.6, now the tap water is 6.8.

The only new things inside the tank are some glass tiles and pvc piping, I did clean and soak and rinse all of this, the tank was only made about 10-14 days ago, so I was thinking maybe some resedue from the silicone may be causing it but again i washed the tank with salt water then vinigar and water then warm water and I fully rinsed about half a dozen times,
the tank is cycling aswell so I will be monitering water levels daily anyway

 

[callina]

what´s at the bottom? Do you use new sand, gravel, or has it been in the old tank before, too?

 

[tomkeogh]

I would say about a third of the sand is from my old tank but the rest is new it is the same brand I can not remember which I'm afraid. I did rinse the sand about 10 times after the water was clear about 20 times in total, I know that P.H 8.0 is just about acceptable for Axolotl I am just worried if it can increase

 

[Shizeric]

Search the forums for the brand of sand you purchased...could be important.

 

[tomkeogh]

OK will do. it was from a fish shop if I can not find it I will go back to the shop and let you know

 

[SludgeMunkey]

I would not panic until the tank is properly cycled. Such readings are perfectly normal for a brand new tank. Give it the proper amount of time and be patient. I suspect this reading is the result of residue on the tank sealant from manufacturing.