HELP!!! Merodontotus Tigrinus PH problem!!!???

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Blackwater
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HELP!!! Merodontotus Tigrinus PH problem!!!???

Post by Blackwater »

I really need some expert advice!! I have a 5" Tig coming Friday from Shark Aquarium. The PH of the tank at SA is 6.8, mine run at 8.0. I think that over time a Tig could acclimate to 7.5-8.0 but I don't want there to be that big of a swing when he arrives. I use RO/DI water and it comes out to 8.0 with a KH of 4-5 which I consider stable. I'm having trouble figuring out how to maintain a stable KH at 4-5 while using PH lowering products?? It seems like a excercise in futility! I need advice on how to handle the acclimation of this fish being shipped from Jersey to Michigan and how to deal with the PH differences? Experts please help me out!!!!
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Post by characinkid »

Hi

What every ph you have, I would suggest the drip method of introduction for any fish. I learnt this a fdew years ago from the stringray guys and it is great.

What you need to do is open the box and bag when the fish arrives and then get a piece of airline tube. Tie a small knot in the airline and then start a siphon so that the water drips into the bag. I have been doing about 1 drip/second. I leave this going for approx 30 minutes and then take out some of the water from the bag. I let this conintue for about 1 1/2 hours, continually removing the water as it fills up. In this way the change is slow and gradual. It will be equalizing the temp, ph etc.
After about 1 1/2 it should be 100% tank water and you can then put the bag in the tank and let the fish go. In this way the fish it stressed very little.

I have been using this method on big and small fish and it has been working really well.
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Post by sidguppy »

I second this method, I've used airhoses as well to mix water when fish came from very different water.

it's a proven method and it works fine.

you can add a few drops of aquasafe (tonic) in the bucket or bag with your tigrinus; this will boost the mucus layer on the skin and helps the fish.

just a few drops is plenty, mind!
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TiGrInUs
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Post by TiGrInUs »

yup the drip acclimation is the best way to go. A pH of 8.0 is pretty high for a tigrinus...im not saying it won't work, but that is pretty hard water.
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