KH PH Swings - New to Planted Aquariums

EvanC · 04-24-2020, 06:49 AM

I’m at a loss for what’s going on in my 3 gallon dirted bowl. I’ve had shrimp and snails in there for a month without casualties. Yesterday I checked my KH and it was 8 and my Ph was 6.8. Today I checked it and KH was barely 2 and ph was 6.6. A week ago my ph was 7.6. I can’t figure out how to find stability and I’m surprised no one has died yet. I have a ton of healthy plants in there and ammonia nitrite and nitrate are all 0.

mistergreen · 04-24-2020, 05:41 PM

I'd advise to put down the test kits and enjoy the bowl. As long as you have kH, it's fine. pH change could be just from the CO2 and acid in the soil.

EvanC · 04-26-2020, 06:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mistergreen

I'd advise to put down the test kits and enjoy the bowl. As long as you have kH, it's fine. pH change could be just from the CO2 and acid in the soil.

I think you’re right mrgreen. If I’m not seeing deaths I should probably let it go.

mistergreen · 04-26-2020, 11:15 AM

A small container will fluctuate quickly. That’s why it’s advisable to put fish in a larger tank but shrimps can handle it.