Just had my cycling tank water tested at LFS as it has been going for about a month. The tank has been cycling for about a month with some plants from my existing tank, biostart liquid and some water from wc from existing tank. The substrate I used is Ocean Free Aquagrow plant and shrimp soil which does state it assists in lowering the pH and KH. On top of that I added a little extra soil about a week ago.
The result back from the water test showed the nitrites where fine but the pH was 5.25. I was pursuaded to buy JBL Aquadur to help bring up the pH which I will try now.
I am wondering is the pH due to the newly added soil, will it get better over time and water changes, or is my substrate to low a pH for my tap water chemistry.(hardness level=soft, pH average 8.48)
The result back from the water test showed the nitrites where fine but the pH was 5.25. I was pursuaded to buy JBL Aquadur to help bring up the pH which I will try now.
I am wondering is the pH due to the newly added soil, will it get better over time and water changes, or is my substrate to low a pH for my tap water chemistry.(hardness level=soft, pH average 8.48)