Should I test the ph of tap water before adding it to my tank?

Question

I do add the de-chlorinator stuff, but never check th ph or anything.

I have a 20 gallon freshwater tank w/ some tropical fish (don't know what they are called). All of my fish are from when I set my tank up about two years ago, and they seem healthy. I do frequent water changes and I just want to make sure I am putting good water in the tank. And thanks everyone.......

Answer 1

Yes, you should. Make sure you added the water conditioner first. After you test the Ph of the tap water, test the Ph of the water that your fish comes in. If it is within .7, then you are fine.

~ZTM

Answer 2

It doesn't hurt to do it occasionally, just so you know what it is (in case you're keeping fish that need a specific pH, most will be happy anywhere 6-8). But this isn't something you need to be doing every time you fill the tank (unless your tap water is from a well and the pH changes with seasonal rainfall). If your on a public water system, it shouldn't change too much.

In your tank, the pH may change based on substrate type, tank decorations (rock, wood), CO2 for plants, and fish waste buildup, so it's more important to test the tank water to see when (and why) you get changes there and how the change differs from the pH of the tap water (higher or lower).

Answer 3

Not if your tank has been doing good for this long, if there was a problem with your ph you would have seen a behavior change or deaths by now. Doing weekly or bi-weekly water changes are very important, so keep that up. Also it might be a good idea to check ammonia and nitrites levels once a month, just to be sure! Depending on what type of fish you have, your ph should be 6-8. Good luck, hope this helps.

Answer 4

Tap water contains chlorine, that many people thik will evaporate if they let it sit. IT WILL NOT. You need to add a water conditioner that will neutralize the chlorine before you add any fish, and give it an hour to circulate in the tank with your pump running. Once you have treated your water, I always recommend running the pump in the tank for at least 24 hours before adding any fish to make sure dust particles from your decorations have been filtered out, that there is nothing leaking, or any problems with your filter, and time to allow the water temperature to equalize so your fish will not be shocked once you add them. When you do add fish keep these simple rules in mind.. the average amount of fish per tank is one inch of fish per gallong of water. If you have a 10 gallon tank, and you add a fish that will grow to 3 inches, you can only put two more of the same fish in the tank. Add your fish slowly, so your tank can acclimatize. Too many fish at once will cause "new tank syndrome" which is basiclaly a buildup of ammonia from too much fish wastes. There are natural bacteria in your tank that will break down this ammonia over time, but cannot handle a huge flow in one shot. And make sure you add compatible fish. Your local pet store can advise you on which fish can co habitate. Most fish will eat any smaller fish that will fit into their mouths, so try and keep similar sized or very peacable fish together. Good luck

Answer 5

If you've had the fish for two years with no problems, it sounds like you haven't done anything majorly wrong. But, I strongly suggest that you study up on what kind of fish they are and what their requirements are. Knowledge about your pets, no matter what they are, will always help. You kind find all kinds of information on the net by doing searches. You don't have to buy books. But, more to the point about Ph levels....in my experience with fish, they always have a recommended Ph level according to what kind of fish it is.

Answer 6

Depends on what fish you have and how picky they are about pH.....But either way, you're going to have to use that water. If you do have fish that have picky pH requirements, you'll have to buy some checmicals to put in to raise or lower your pH, so go ahead and put the water in anyway.

Answer 7

its a good idea to know what you have, for adjustments and minor water changes. 6-8 is way to wide of range for PH, 8 is really, really hard water, an 6 would be for live-bearers.

Answer 8

How are your fish doing? Are they salt water fish or fresh water fish? I would ask the people at thestore where you purchased them. they would know more about it.

Answer 9

or you can just use room temperature bottled spring water, I've never had a problem with it.

Answer 10

possibly.