Help! re: LFS poor pH and my stable pH when introducing fish

[faewyn]

Okay, today I got myself my first fish, for my establish tank.

After I sat the bag in the water for 20 mins, I opened it up and I took a sample of the LFS water. I tested the pH, it was 7.8... My pH is 8.3-8.4 and I automatically freaked out.
I spent 2 hours introducing the wrasse, to the new water. He was fine, he wanted too get out of the bag and under the sand..So i had to way up stress over stress
He did eat 4 BS I put in the bag, to calm his nerves.

after 2 hours of acclimatising... I relased him. He swam around for no time and promptly dived under the sand too sleep! I then went on to do my things etc..

15 minutes later, he was on top pf the sand, and laying on his side, not laboured breathing but big breathes. I covered the tank with a dark double folded sheet to ensured darkenss and switched all room lights off and left the room.
So after 1-2 hours of laying on his side, on the top of the sand bed, he is back under the substrate somewhere, which is normal behavior. but I am unsure whether this is a major thing, or just stress?

Should I call and complain to my LFS in the morning, regarding there pH and possible impact on the life of my wrasse??? I didnt pay $60 for a wrasse, to kill over due to the stress of a massive pH climb in 2 hours.. this is not right.

Do we really need to sneak in our LFs with a vile, take water and pre test before we buy fish from them? Or am I overreacting about the whole pH thing?

TIA
faewyn

[Reefland]

Depressed pH is common in bags that have contained livestock for an extended period of time (like during overnight shipping), but should not have neem a problem if purchased locally. I would probably call them up and let them know about the situation and ask them about the pH in their tanks; doubt they'll give you a straight answer but at least they would know what you experienced in the even the fish doesn't make it.

If you performed a 2 hour acclimation your fish should adjust ok. Good luck with your new Wrasse!

[faewyn]

Scott, Thanks for your reply.
The fish was bought locally from a very reputable LFS.
This morning I caught him swimming a little... I am wondering if alot has to do with stress factors etc. The tank is still very dark (with a darkened sheet placed over it) I dont want to disturb him, incase its new tank stress.

So I will sit and wait, and run some more tests on the water, just to see too make sure everything is still fine.


faewyn