Ph levels very low

Question
QUESTION: I have a 55 gallon freshwater aquarium with 2 guppys, 3 catfish, 3 glass fish, 1red barb and 1 pleco. Recently I lost 2 guppys and 3 puffer fish. My nitrate/nitrite levels were extremely high so I did the water changes numerous times and added 5 capfuls of prime just once. The levels are  ow at a safe level. But my ph is extremely low, and ammonia is on the rise. My tank is a little foggy. I have a fluval filter with carbon and beneficial bacteria rocks. I have not changed the filter media while doing the water changes. I have no live plants but 2 logs inside the aquarium along with black flat rocks. Also I have 4 air stones for more oxygen. What am I doing wrong or what should/could I do to maintain a healthy balance? Please help.

ANSWER: Hi Summer,
How low is your ph level exactly? It's possible the fish you have already are adjusted to the ph.

High ammonia and nitrites are far more dangerous than a low ph. With the foggy water as well, (bacteria bloom) it sounds like your aquarium is in a cycling phase. Or the process of establishing a bio filter. The good bacteria that get rid of the ammonia and nitrites and convert them into nitrate which is safe unless in very high levels.  

Your tank needs probably a few weeks to establish. In the meantime it's best if you keep up with water changes on at least a daily basis. You don't want your ammonia or nitrite to rise too high which could kill your fish. And in the meantime while your tank establishes, water changes will help your fish get through. Usually 50% is the best percentage to take out of the tank to have an effect on high ammonia or nitrite levels.

Water changes will also get rid of the cloudy water. You must be patient and persistent. Within a few weeks, your tanks levels should begin to stabilize as the bio filter establishes. Most aquariums take 6 weeks or more to fully cycle.

I really hope this helps and good luck!
Susan~

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you for your response. It seems things are looking up:) there is no detection of ammonia (0) and the nitrate levels are both at a safe level. (5) nitrite being 0.1. It's just the ph levels which are very low (5.0). I'm continuing with Daily water changes and the fish do not seem to be in any stress. I guess I'll just have to wait patiently for the ph to rise on its own. I'm scared to adds any ph up. I don't want other things to start messing up. I've heard that you can add baking soda, but I don't want a sudden rise to shock my fish.

Answer
You're welcome!

Well that's really good to hear that your fish do not seem to be stressed at all. Regarding the pH level, I'd be very curious to ask the local fish-store what pH they keep their fish at. It could very well be the same as yours. Otherwise, there are ways you can raise it like adding some crushed coral to the gravel and/or the filter. But then you must worry about any new water you add to the aquarium could be much lower than the tank's pH levels.

Sometimes, simply leaving the pH where it is at rather is much easier as well as safer for the fish rather than trying to adjust it to a specific level.

I would be very cautious of adding pH altering chemicals. You can use baking soda, it is generally very safe...However, as you mentioned it can raise the pH quite fast and often to pretty high levels if you aren't careful. It usually doesn't take much. I've personally never tried it. If you want to go that route I'd recommend you do it -very- carefully. Adding only a very small amount.

I do feel that your fish are fine at the pH level it is currently. I'd hate to hear that once they were doing just fine and seemed unstressed but later as you tried to adjust the pH they became sickly and suffered.

I do hope this helps and as always good luck!
Susan~