lowering tank temperature

[shari2]

Read the edit to my post above...sorry we're cross posting.

Ammonia is more dangerous at higher pH which is why you may be having such problems. Get some Amquel. It helps. Walmart probably carries it...

Here's the Amquel Product Data Sheet which might help you determine a course of action.

If it's out of the tap that high you can look into using peat in your filter to lower the pH naturally. Adding natural wood to the tank can also help.

[joitoy]

Do they sell it as any specific brand meant for aquarium usage or is any peat okay? Like the peat for reptiles and lizards? I'll make sure I pick some up asap. this is ridiculous and now my poor fish are suffering for it. Everything was checking postive in tests until yesterday.

[shari2]

I use 'Aquaricare Select Peat'. Rather be safe than sorry. Don't know what all is in reptile peat and peat for gardening may contain stuff you don't want in your fish tank.

Not to discourage you on loaches or anything, but if you don't want to mess with your water chemistry many cichlids love high pH water and would do well in your water straight from the tap...I don't know much about them but they have a HUGE number of enthusiasts who are totally cichlid-aholic.

[joitoy]

Most cichlids are far too aggressive and even after research I couldn't find many that would tolerate other fish. I replaced 30 gallons of water this afternoon then another 15 just now. Noticed an instant difference in the two guppies that were gasping at the top, now swimming normally.

I really can't tell if I'm hurting the loaches or not, but I'd feel terrible if I was. They're really my favorites out of everyone in the tank. I'm going to amquel the tank in the morning and continue with daily 15% water changes until things are normal on their own again, and add some peat. Haven't seen much driftwood available in any stores. Are there also other ways to lower ph?

Thank you so much, you've been invaluable in relieving my frustration tonight. If I lost my three dojos I don't know if I would even want to continue with everything.

[loachmom]

Hi Joitoy,

I quickly scanned through this thread, so hopefully I'm not repeating something that someone already said. Water that is warm has a lower oxygen level than cooler water, so you need to increase aeration in some way. An airstone helps, and lowering your water level so there is some splash at your filter return helps, too. I know you've lowered your level to keep your fish from jumping out, just make sure you've lowered it enough.