adapted
04-03-2014, 02:32 PM
I just this week got a reminder of something that has always been true but that doesn't get mentioned that much.
What I'm talking about the slowdown of the bacteria-building process that happens if your tank's pH is much below 7.
Basically, if you have soft water and the low pH that usually goes with it, your tank may take a long time to "cycle." Maybe even ten times as long for a pH of 6.
The article linked below goes into some depth, but if you want to know more than the basics about nitriification, it might be worth it. (If you're going to keep discus fish, you need to commit yourself to learning as much as you can about water chemistry.)
http://skepticalaquarist.com/nitrogen-cycle
What I'm talking about the slowdown of the bacteria-building process that happens if your tank's pH is much below 7.
Basically, if you have soft water and the low pH that usually goes with it, your tank may take a long time to "cycle." Maybe even ten times as long for a pH of 6.
The article linked below goes into some depth, but if you want to know more than the basics about nitriification, it might be worth it. (If you're going to keep discus fish, you need to commit yourself to learning as much as you can about water chemistry.)
http://skepticalaquarist.com/nitrogen-cycle