Earl

Thank you so much for the nice detailed approach of water chemistry. When I kept fish a long time ago in a 55-gal aquarium, I filled the aquarium with tap water, treated for Chlorine and let it go. Not caring much about the species-specific needs. This time around I am taking a more scientific approach, but do not want to spend my retirement years babysitting water chemistry every waking moment.

ok, Thanks for the suggestions. Very stressful.

Hello All, I am new to this Forum and am interested in meeting others that enjoy this great Hobby. First off, I have been out of the aquarium hobby for almost 20 years. I have just set up a 75-gallon planted freshwater aquarium. It has been cycling for about 2 weeks. my pH wants to stay at 8.1. I introduced about 200 grams of Fluval aquatic peat pellets into my marineland 350 HOB filter, no charcoal. Also I have introduced 8 tablets of Tetra correct ph. The pH will drop to 7.5 area and then several hours later the pH will return to 8.1 area. The substrate is gravel. I currently have an older Betta male and 3 female black mollies, and a female mickey mouse platy. The betta is struggling with the high ph. I believe my pH is being trapped at this level due to the high level of Calcium Carbonate. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated Below is my water chemistry: pH :8.1 carbonate: 120 ppm Total alkalinity: 300ppm Free Chlorine: 0 ppm General Hardness: 150 ppm Nitrite: 1 ppm Nitrate: 40 ppm Copper: 0.5 ppm Iron: 0 ppm Salinity: 345 ppm