Lake Teberia Rainbowfish

Question
QUESTION: Hi Jaymie,

"I am new to the Rainbow fish community, but I currently have 3 Praecox Rainbow for about 2 months, and I have an established "Planted" Freshwater aquarium for at least 4 years. My substrate is about 75% Fluorite.   I have a 46 gal. Bow shaped tank with various community fish.  The problem that I am having, although many aquarists would probably like this problem... is that my tank continues to remain "Acidic".  Usually 6.0-6.4!  My tapwater is Alkaline. Jaymie, even when I added some Sechem Alkaline Buffer, my Ph still drops back to about 6.2! The Lake Teberia Rainbow (Melanotoenia Herbertaxelrodi), requires a PH of about 6.8 to 7.4. I am wondering if I purchase Lake T. rainbow young (about 2 inches long), will they or can they adapt to my Acidic Water??  Would really appreciate any insight you can share.  I have also gone to a website Rainbowfish.fish to inquire, but no response thus far."

Respectfully, William

ANSWER: William,

What types of plants do you have in the tank? Java moss is a great plant to have in the tank. Use drift wood and bog roots only sparingly as they tend to Acidify the water. I would not add any more to the tank until we find out why your water remains acidic. It is never good to try to house a fish in water that is not suitable for them. Let me know about the plants you have.

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

QUESTION: Jaymie,

"I have Tiger Lotus,(propagating), various crypts, Lizard's Tail (Saururus Cernus), a small amount of Java Moss(attached to a rock, but only propagating a little),and Anubias, also propagating. As for Driftwood, I only a small tree stump size one that has an Anubuias attached to it.  Also, I am not using any CO2.  But I am using some Seachem Flourish Excel that has Carbon in it. Ok, what do you think??

Regards, William K. Gray

Answer
William,

 One of the easiest methods of achieving low alkalinity in the aquarium is to use naturally soft water to begin with. You can for instance collect rainwater, melt (clean) snow or purchase treated water. Water can for instance be treated through distillation or reverse osmosis (RO). You can then use harder water or baking soda to increase the alkalinity up to the ideal level for your fish species.

I am not really sure about the plants. I don't know much about them but thought I would try to help. Unfortunately, that is proving to be difficult. You can either try another expert, or give me a little time to try and figure it out for you. I will leave it up to you.