pH levels in a new aquarium?

Question

I have just set up a new rena tank, i would like to know what the correct levels the pH should be,also the GH,KH,and when will i be able to add some fish.

Answer 1

The correct levels of these are what they are already at.

Worrying about these levels is a waste of time for all but the most delicate fish, as most of them are very tolerant of a wide range. Changing them is more effort then its worth, and if you try to do it the simple way, like quick fix bottled solutions, your water will become unstable, and this is much, much worse then having it a little too high or low.

So do yourself a favour and concentrate on important levles like ammonia and nitrite.

If you want to be technical and find out what the parameters of your fish are in their wild habitat you would first need to decide what kind of fish you want, and then research them, since different fish come from different types of water.

You can add fish after the tank has had a chance to run with its equipment overnight for aeration and heated up to the right temperature, and only after you understand all about cycling an aquarium. And only after you have made a basic stocking plan for the tank, and done research so you can be sure you keep the fish in the right numbers, that they are all compatible, that they won't outgrow your tank, and that you decorated the tank right for them.

#1 rule of fishkeeping: Keep it simple. More complication=more problems

Answer 2

Ghapy is right, leave pH alone. The only time you should be concerned about pH is with wild caught fish. Most freshwater fish are farmed and are raised between 6.0-8.0, and will be able to adjust to anything within this range. The main thing about adding fish is to make sure the water is dechlorinated, add about 3 or 4 fish in the beginning, and monitor ammonia for the first 2 weeks, nitrite for the first 6-8 weeks and then nitrate.

Answer 3

It depends on what fish you are adding - if it is cold water then you will be ok to add fish straight away as long as you have neutralised the water. for tropical or malawi I would recommend you take a water sample to your aquarium shop and ask them to test it(it takes at least a week with the filter running before you can add), they will tell you if the water is ready. A malawi tank needs a higher ph than others so it depends on what fish you are adding as to what the ph is..

Answer 4

Here's a link to a section of FishChannel for tank setups for both salt and freshwater aquariums. You can also click on FishKidz Corner to get beginner articles.
http://www.fishchannel.com/setups/default.aspx

Answer 5

I second his answer. Only set up a tank after doing your homework on what required and the fish you are going to get. Good Luck!

Answer 6

Hi Janice, Ghapy is spot-on! You may find the attached link interesting-it explains about the Nitrogen Cycle.

Answer 7

Add one more ditto to the list for GHapy. He is exactly right

MM