Alkalinity

[Dimond24]

My alkilinity in my tank is way off the chart. I went to the lfs and asked if there was anything i could do/use to help with it. They told me only time. Is this true? My tank has been set up for a couple months now.

[crazedpuffer]

Water changes...
How often and how much water do you change?

[Pufferpunk]

What is it?

[Dimond24]

I did a water change 1 week ago about 40%. I had not really been changing it much with my chiclids, but i want to make sure everything is a ok for my puffer. We are getting his 150g this week, how long do you think i should let everything filter etc before introducing him to it?

[crazedpuffer]

What do you mean? Acclimating him or cycling the tank?

[yunachin]

What is the alkalinity??

[Dimond24]

Its over 300.. yikes

[yunachin]

Adding some driftwood will help bring that number down.

[Dimond24]

Really? Why does driftwood help and how much do you think i need?

[oldfish]

Its over 300.. yikes

Don't worry about this number.Some fish like african cichlids love it and others who perfer softer water will adapt to it.Good consistant water quality is the key to success.

[yunachin]

In all plants and trees, tannins are used as defensive compounds that counteract bacteria and fungi by interfering with their surface proteins. Since driftwood contains tannins (which is also referred to as tannic acid) it will try to lower your aquarium's pH. Your pH may drop if the buffering capacity of your water is low (low mineral content). If the buffering capacity is high, the chance of a piece of driftwood causing a pH swing is minimal. Driftwood will also tend to soften your water.

[Pufferpunk]

What's the pH?

[Dimond24]

Ph is about 7.4

[Pufferpunk]

What are you measuring your alk with? Very odd that the pH would be that low & your alk so exceedingly high.

[Dimond24]

I believe it is called quick dip.. its a 5 in one reading that we got at petsmart. They use the same ones there is they test your water for you. It reads...
Nitrate about 60
nitrite 1.0
total hardness 75
alkalinity 300 +
Ph 7.4

We have been using amquel plus to bring down the nitrate and nitrite and i did put 1 does of ph decreaser a couple days ago because the ph was almost 8 and the alk was so high. I dont know what to do. The tank seems all healthy. The plants are alive and all the fish are swimming alot. But my puffer just sits in his corner unless im feeding him. Btw how often should i feed him? and do you know where i could find small crabs or clams for him relatively inexpensive. I have been giving him crawfish, ghost shrimp, and mealworms but i read that a variety of foods are best.