Just want to double check and make sure this is a natural part of the cycle.

[wartooth1]

Hey all,
So for the last few weeks I've been running my new tank and tested the water every couple of days. According to my test strips, everything was in the "ideal" colors. 3 days ago, I added my first fish and now I'm seeing that on my test strip, the total alkalinity and PH are starting to become less and less ideal.
I'm pretty sure this is to be expected, but I just thought I'd double check with the experts ^_^
Thanks.

 

[btldreef]

Firstly, WHY are you using test strips? They're highly inaccurate.
No, it's not normal. If your tank was stable enough for a fish, the pH and alkalinity shouldn't be bad, or becoming bad. A fish really should not have much of an effect on pH, nor alkalinity. How long has it been since you did a water change?

 

[wartooth1]

I would probably say its been about a week and a half since my last water change.

 

[wartooth1]

Would it be possible that doing a water change using store bought saltwater might remedy this?

 

[geoj]

Do a water change would help, take more time to learn how others keep a successful tank would also help...

 

[1guydude]

1.) no strips, get the api standard sw kit. The reef one too would be good, but the one will do
2.)store bought? No u should mix ur own in a 5gal bucket. Let it run with a powerhead in it for like 24hrs.....brings out the chlorine and oxygen in. I dont trust any water i dont mix myself! U have a hydrometer at least right?