> Lately I've
> been having some huge pH swings though all other water
> conditions are perfect. I normally struggle to keep it
> below 7.2, however lately it's been diving to 6.5'ish.
Add a teaspoon or two of Calcium or Magnesium carbonate (the
Kent super dKH or what ever the name is should work well). It
should raise the pH to about 7.6 or the like. As niether CaCO3 or
MgCO3 dissolve easily it won't over harden the water but will
stablize the pH. Add a bit and check the pH. Add till you are at a
pH you want. The added Ca and Mg will make the bows much
happier. Don't worry about the tetras. There will be no meaningful
increase in hardness and ubnless you want to spawn them in the
tank it won't be a problem.
> I can handle the water quality problem, but I wanted
> to know if this would have any affect on the Rainbow's
> inability....for want of a better term...."to snap off
> a length"?
> I'm resisting
> the temptation to throw in some meta-mucil!
> Is this problem dietary, or could the fluctuating pH
> be the cause? Any suggestions?
preacox are very sensitive to pH and increases in [NO3]. The
problem may of been caused by it. Flucuations in the ion
evirnoment can cause tummy problems (as the fish is an open
system as far as ions go). ALternatively the changing pH may of
weekended the fish and made it suseptable to some bacterial or
protozaon infection. My bet is bacterial so treat with the meta-
mucil or what ever you have.
If it has no effect and the pH is stable then try with flagyl (5g/L) or
Clout .
Also, give the fish a pellet food for a bit to get more roughage in
them so they can clean out their guts and hold off on the
bloodworms etc... if they do have tummy trouble the nutrient rich
black and bloodworms can create a nutrient soup for the bacteria
etc... to grow in.
Bye
Tyrone Genade
tyronegenade at yahoo.com
http://www.geocities.com/tyronegenade
*************************************************************
P450 Lab, Biochemistry Department
University of Stellenbosch, 7602, South Africa
Ph: +27-021-808-5876, fax: +27-021-808-5863
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"Those who trust in the Lord for help will find their
strength renewed."
Isaiah 40:31