API Master High pH is Red

[mattyG]

Hi,

Can anybody tell me what pH this red color is supposed to mean? To me it doesn't look like it matches any of the squares on the test kit.

I am using the API Master Test Kit - this is the high range pH test.

Thanks!

[Mark]

That is what mine looks like at the moment.
TCLynx told me the PH is probably pretty high, I will try to add some rain water and also do some searching in the forum for ways to bring it down some.
I am a newbie here so, I don't have much to offer in the way of advice.

[Bill E]

I have that same test kit, and I work with African cichlids, who like a PH of 8.2.  There was 1 time that I over PH'ed my tank and the reading came out pink.  When I stuck my digital PH meter in the water, it showed PH 10.  Lower you ph with acid or a water change.

[Bill E]

Also you might want to rinse the tube, and retest.  After you rinse it with tap water, rinse it in your tank water several times.  Sometimes I will just get a funky reading, and I always test twice if I get a reading I am not expecting.  I run 8 fish tanks in my home, and have had every issue possible.

[mattyG]

Hi,thanks for the input! Sorry not to respond sooner, I haven't made it back to the forum in a little while.

 

Also just an update.

 

I tested my (city) tap water and it was coming out pink as well, at the time I filled the tank and on several refills. Shortly after posting all of my fish got a fungus and died in a matter of days. I assume the high pH damaged their slime coats, leading to the fungus.

 

I tested the tap water again and its down to 8.0 pH. Not really sure why the drastic swings, but I will be checking the pH of the water each time before adding to my tank. Right now I plan to dump and clean the tank then start the cycling process over...

 

Also a quick question - putting too much acid to lower the pH of hard water will affect the minerals available to the plants right?

[DANIEL GRESL]

What can you add to lower ph mine is way too high? about 8.5 was told it should be about 7

[mattyG]

Hi Daniel -

I used pH Down. It was totally ineffective, I think because my water must be extremely hard. I've heard others mention several different acids that they have used to lower pH - muriatic was one I think?

 

 

 

[DANIEL GRESL]

Can you really use muriatic with fish? I have a 200 gallon tank with 50 3-6" tilapia in there and I dont want to kill them.

ph is about 8-8.5  Help !

[Tom Parsons]

Your PH is way to high.

Mine was darker then that. 

 

You can add RO water and it will help.

 

 

[Tom Parsons]

You can also get ph down.