High Acid Content

[lledford]

I have had an aquarium for many years. In the past 2 years, I have been struggling with my water becoming acidic. After I clean the gravel and fiter and drain about 2/3 of the water, it will be fine. It only takes about 2 weeks before it is acidic again. I suspect that my filter is to blame, but I am not sure. Could this be the problem? I have noted that I have a canister filter, by Cascade. I have searched online for replacement parts that may show the culprit, with no luck. The only thing that looks worn is the rubber seal from the filter tray that goes up to the pump. I couldn't find where to try to purchase another (if that is even what my problem is). I have asked at pet stores for advise, the only thing they will recommend is the pH increase. That is fine for a "once in a while" problem, but I need a real solution. Any advice you can give me will be greatly appreciated.

[AngelMom]

How acidic? What is the test reading? Also include the results from your other water quality tests.

Please also describe your regular maintenance routine ... how often, how much, etc for filters, gravel vacuuming, and water changes.

Have you tested your source water? How does it compare to the water in the tank?

[lledford]

The acidic level is between 5 and 6. The source water is off the charts alkaline. In the past, I have changed the water only about every 6 months, draining a little over half the water. Recently, I have changed the water about every 6 weeks because of the acid, and having to add chemicals to try to keep the level neutral. I vacuum the gravel each time that I clean the tank, as well as remove all of the accessories and filtration hardware for cleaning. I use extended brushes to remove the debris from inside the tubing. I change the filter inside the canister, and clean it well. When it was doing well, the pH was around 7.2. I talked to someone else today, who recommended that I add salt to the water as a buffer. I am still trying to get contact information for Cascade to see if I can get a replacement part on the filter. Thanks so much for the quick response! I really appreciate your help.

[AngelMom]

Thanks for the info. Have you performed any water quality tests? It's likely that you have nitrate problems with the infrequent water changes. It's very important to know what the levels of ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate are before deciding how to proceed with correcting a problem.

Smaller tanks (especially those that aren't planted tanks) need weekly water changes. Ammonia products in the water will pull the pH down. Doing water changes of more than 30% of the tank volume can also add problems, especially if the pH, GH, and temp are not closely matched.

Adding buffers without knowing where the GH and KH levels are is asking for additional trouble, not to mention that it makes a chemical soup out of the water. I've always looked at it this way ... if I wouldn't want to add a particular chemical to something I'm drinking, I'm not going to add it to my tanks. ;)

It's difficult to suggest a course of action without having the rest of the pieces ... and knowing that the water changes have been sparse, it's doubly important to get that info on the ammonia and nitrogen levels.

[oscarbartoni]

What kind of tetra do you have because silver dollars and cardinals are tetras. Some tetras get really large Pacus are an extreme example that can get to be over 4 foot long.It might be that you are overstocked and overfeeding the tank .Also what is in the tank such as gravel any other things such as ornaments tht might be causing this to happen. I know that if you go too long between water changes the water usually turns acid from the uric acid and other body functions of the fish, This is another good reason to do weekly 15 to 20% water changes. It is not enough (in general) to change the pH, or anything else and will not stress the fish as much as a large water change that can stress the fish by changing the water temp and pH. Even smaller but more frequent water changes are better than large infrequent ones are.But please let us know the numbers of your test and make sure to test you tap water again (it can sometimes change without you knowing abut it) and let it set for a day or two before you test it.

[lledford]

Is there a test you can buy that will tell you these results? Can you get them at PetSmart? If I can get one, I will check the levels and get back with you. I haven't had any experience in dealing with any type of chemical deviation.

[AngelMom]

The best form of test kits to get would be liquid or tablet, though I find the liquid tests easier to use. These should be available as either individual tests or in a master test kit but I have no idea what PetSmart carries (I avoid the large chains as I prefer my local fish shop). Do not use strip tests ... they are only good as a qualitative measurement and are easily compromised.