I normally test my water twice weekly. High PH is the norm usually around 8.2 and Nitrite 0, Ammonia 0 and Nitrate 5ppm. Tonight I tested my water and was astonished to see a PH of 8.8. And Ammonia 0.25. I have no idea what contributed to this. I made no changes in feeding, nor did I alter the filtration, and I carried out my weekly 50% water change and gravel cleaning this past Friday. I also do a filter check to ensure everything is running well and it was. Leo(Native Oscar) seems ok, however I am sure this can't last under these conditions, I have come to the conclusion that I should do another 50% water change tomorrow. I am really puzzled as to what contributed to this sudden change. Water comes from the tap at a consistent 8.2. I rather not use chemicals. I am going to go pick up some Bog wood here shortly. I truly am confused. I am looking for some comments or advice as to what could be the culprit. I look forward to your replies.

PS. I have exhausted all means of research. I am still at a loss.

what substrate do you have and how deep?

1.5 inches deep. Medium sized rock gravel dark blue, green, and purples, about the size of a large pea.(don't know how else to describe it). Also note water is hard enough to cause a white film(calcium deposits) on filter housing.

Hey Codeman...don't have any advice for you but I hope you get it figured out and get everything under control! My tap has a pH of 8 as well so i'm gonna follow this thread in case I run into the same situation. I'm sure you'll figure it out! Keep us posted!

hey codeman, in case like yours, you can try to add pure salt at 1 tablespoon
per 20 gal water. the objective is to soften your water. in refrigeration works,
we used to treat the water with salt to soften it so that the cooling tower works
properly. this is not intended to treat any illnesses but to soften the water only.

I'll have to try this remedy. I was thinking maybe the substrate could cause this. I am strongly considering a change of substrate, Replacing the gravel with 60lbs of black sand.

but i have a substrate before deeper than that... and no issue whatsoever
except for the planaria worms

alkaline water or hard water is really hard to handle.... operating a chiller
for industrial refrigeration is a headache...we consume a tons of rock salt to
soften the water... i had tried this in aquarium (but not as high as yours) and
it works perfectly. no harm of trying...since salt can be reduce by water change
anyway....and it wouldn't harm your fish either unless you have skinless fish over
there

If you do decide on going with black sand just letting you know it looks awesome! haha...i'm glad I did it...a little more pricey but worth it in the end IMO.

Oh and quick question...how does having softer water by adding salt help the situation? Not saying you're wrong just want to understand what the softer water does and why it helps...just trying to educate myself.

Ikkie, I know salt is used in water softening compounds and systems. When I lived with my grandparents through high school(We lived in Paxinos,PA)... You know how it's pretty rural. Well we had a water softener and we would dump bags of sand in monthly. Hard water is basically saturated with calcium and other divalent metal ions. It can have a negative effect on water appliances, when regarding aquariums it can cause a blockage in filters after a while.(Had this occur once). Water hardness can also effect your fishes health when considering the osmotic process. Salt is a good buffer, however I am thinking the mineral content of my substrate could be at fault. Paul asked what substrate I used, I think this is what he was considering

Ok...thanks for explaining that for me...just trying to understand a little better!

Alright I am off to bed, going to run in the morning and then off to work. 2 hours of sleep tonight, that's what I get for sleeping in today. Ha. Well good ning and thanks for your replies. Ikkie I hope the cycling is going well!