I have a 54 gallon tank, currently housing about 15 mollies (actively and successfully breeding) and a 13 inch pleco. I recently decided to invest some money into my tank and I built a moss wall (YouTube - Moss Wall - Week 2). I also bought a water testing kit for the first time in my 10+ years of keeping an aquarium. My nitrate, nitrites and ammonia are all 0 but my PH is 7.6.
I have done my research and understand the classic newbie thing to do is to freak out. I'm not freaking me out, I don't need a lecture on the improper use of chemicals to lower PH and all the advantages and disadvantages. My question is more specific than "should I lower my PH".
Here is my question. The mollies like the PH a bit elevated (7.2-7.4). The Pleco likes it neutral (7.0). The moss wall (which consists of newly planted java moss and christmas moss) likes the PH at 6.8 so it can absorb the nutrients it needs. I should mention I also have java fern growing in the tank.
I'm less worried about the fish. They've been living in these conditions for over a year. I REALLY want the moss wall to succeed. I'm worred the pleco will just mow it as it grows, I'm worried that the higher PH will stop it moss wall from absorbing nutrients. I am currently not using any fertilizer. There is also no drift wood and I know that IF I was going to lower PH that is the recommended way. I am on the edge of buying driftwood at this point, but is it worth it, and should I fertilize or not?
Whew! Thanks for your time and I look forward to answers, varied as I expect they will be!
Craig
I have done my research and understand the classic newbie thing to do is to freak out. I'm not freaking me out, I don't need a lecture on the improper use of chemicals to lower PH and all the advantages and disadvantages. My question is more specific than "should I lower my PH".
Here is my question. The mollies like the PH a bit elevated (7.2-7.4). The Pleco likes it neutral (7.0). The moss wall (which consists of newly planted java moss and christmas moss) likes the PH at 6.8 so it can absorb the nutrients it needs. I should mention I also have java fern growing in the tank.
I'm less worried about the fish. They've been living in these conditions for over a year. I REALLY want the moss wall to succeed. I'm worred the pleco will just mow it as it grows, I'm worried that the higher PH will stop it moss wall from absorbing nutrients. I am currently not using any fertilizer. There is also no drift wood and I know that IF I was going to lower PH that is the recommended way. I am on the edge of buying driftwood at this point, but is it worth it, and should I fertilize or not?
Whew! Thanks for your time and I look forward to answers, varied as I expect they will be!
Craig