lincman Posted June 21, 2007 Share Posted June 21, 2007 just wondering, i have a large 8 footer, not sure on the Literage but it has quite alot of petrified wood. atm i am having alot of issues keeping my pH right, it continues to become very acidic if not monitered. . . is it the wood? or is it somthing else that i am doing to cause this problem. atm i only have 2 chiclids in the tank an electric yellow and another (which was given to me and im not sure the breed), as well as some flying foxs (8 came with the tank) and some brussel nose catfish... plz help, i only just saved this beautifuk tank from the tip, as a rich neighbour was throwing it away. I have always wanted cichlids as my father had them when i was a kid... i need some advise as well so please feel free... thanks guys lincman Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
justcichlids Posted June 21, 2007 Share Posted June 21, 2007 it's definately the wood. if you want to keep african cichlids i suggest getting rid of the wood and look at a sand/ rock decoration. if you want to keep the wood you can keep some of the american cichlids as they prefer a more acidic ph. bty what a score an eight footer for nothing!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Willo Posted June 22, 2007 Share Posted June 22, 2007 I added aragonite and coral substrate to my tank to keep the PH up. I also have some driftwood in the tank to enhance aesthetics, and I don't have any issues with PH... it's around the 8 mark. I also have african cichlids. You'll have fun with the 8 footer!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ash Posted June 22, 2007 Share Posted June 22, 2007 I wouldn't think "petrified" wood would affect the pH, normal wood sure does though. How much substrate have you got in there & how clean is it? Use any buffering? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Reillin Posted June 22, 2007 Share Posted June 22, 2007 Gday Lincman, Firstly, it's a bristlenose catfish, reference to the bristle-like growth and it's spelt cichlids. I think it could be the petrified wood. It's possible that the tannic acid is still contained in the modified wood. Also, another possibility is that the wood is acting as a zeolite and is softening your water, which can lead to acidic conditions. I'm not 100%, but I hope that helps. What you can do is use coral sand in your filters or a thin layer on the bottom. It does look rather nice and will lighten up your tank as well as help buffer your pH. Cheers, Vien. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BaZ Posted June 22, 2007 Share Posted June 22, 2007 and some brussel nose catfish... Firstly, it's a bristlenose catfish Perhaps he bought the fish from a Kiwi I'm also wondering if the wood really is petrified. Could it be normal bog-wood? Ash's question about the substrate is a good one, and we also need to know if there is any kind of buffer material being used. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matty Posted June 22, 2007 Share Posted June 22, 2007 Perhaps he bought the fish from a Kiwi Ugh, you beat me to it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lincman Posted June 22, 2007 Author Share Posted June 22, 2007 yeha im pretty happy with the price and the tank is beautul. it is def petrified wood, very heavy as well, and i would prefer to keep it as it makes the tank. as for this coral and shells i think i will try that. the tank is very clean, not a spot on it as the catfish (sorry about the previous spellling) and the others keep it very tidy and i do clean the water monthly if not mroe so... i will keep you posted on the tank. all i need to do now is fill it... the possibilities are endless!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BaZ Posted June 22, 2007 Share Posted June 22, 2007 I wouldn't be filling it with too many fish until you sort the Ph issue out. More fish will just make the problem worse. Are you adding buffers to the tank? I use bicarb soda and rock salt whenever I do a water change and I find that keeps my Ph nice and stable. If I don't use these, my Ph tends to drop like yours. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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