Low alkalinity and pH

[mbar1156]

Hello I have had a 30 gallon aquarium for a little over a year now with two pieces of driftwood some plants and fine/medium substrate. Over the past three weeks I have had three fish die. Nothing has changed in my aquarium and I do 10 day-14 day water changes. My aquarium water is as follows. Nitrate 20-40, nitrite 0, soft-hard water, chlorine 0, alkalinity 0-40, and pH less than 6.2. My pH and alkalinity have always been low. But it may be lower than normal. Any ideas what maybe wrong? Also my plants have slowly been dying.

 

[Thyra]

I don't know what you mean by "soft-hard" water. I always thought it was either soft or hard and I notice you didn't mention your ammonia which is very important.

 

[OrangeCones]

Hello mbar1156 - welcome to the forum.

As mentioned, a reading for ammonia is very important. Also, how are you testing your water (liquid tests with test tubes or strips)?

What kind of fish are you keeping (number and type)?