Raise in PH kills my fish!!

[nemodude]

Can someone explain to me why adding Proper PH 8.2 would raise my ammonia level? I've never had trouble with this product before, but the last time I used it, I knew something was wrong right from the getgo. When I first put it in the tank, I noticed air bubbles coming off of the gravel bed, which never happened before. The fish seemed fine, so I thought nothing of it at first. The next day I woke up and my water had a grey haze and the fish were swimming sideways and gasping for air at the surface. Before I had time to do anything, my ammonia level went from 0ppm the night before to over 5 ppm killing virtually everything in my tank!! I understand that PH, calcium, and alkalinity have a delicate balance, but what would have caused the rise in ammonia. Does raising the PH turn other compounds into ammonia, or did the sudden change in alkalinity or calcium kill off the aerobic bacteria causing the ammonia spike?

 

[MCsaxmaster]

Something odd is going on. How did you add the buffer? Buffers like these are usually just sodium bicarbonate and sodium carbonate. Adding this shouldn't cause what you saw, even if dramatically overdosed.

Chris

 

[lvreefer]

I would make several sample cups and run test on the product. Then contact the manufacture.

 

[nemodude]

I added the buffer just like I always do,(as stated in the directions) and I never had any problems before, until recently. It wasn't overdosed either. This is why I was so confused.