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Hmmmm, make sure you test at the same time of day each time, I have seen similar if I test first thing in the morning. I believe (read on internet, not sure how reliable te sourceS?) that PH fluctuates through the day and night. I got silly readings the first time I did a test in the morning, but when I tested again lunch time (usual time) it was back to normal? I know this goes against everything you are told with shrimp keeping, but if it is 'natural' and probably happening in all tanks (?) then it's probably not a problem, it never affected my shrimp or fish! You could try the same test with the other tank and see if the same happens just to give you peace of mind? IF you did the test the same time of day as previously then let me know and we can have a rethink? On the plus side though at least both tests are in line with each other so they are probably both right/accurate! Don't worry about the PH reading, just make sure you set a regular time like I did for doing the tests, but avoid too early in the day. I can't comment on the film on the water but if it bothers you you could get a skimmer? Most important though, have the shrimp stopped dying? Simon

Yes. But you don't have to refill the tank full. It's not going to remove all the bacteria. But it will help the shrimp a bit. We need to knock the chitinolytic bacteria for 6 after a water change. Even a plastic bucket with an air stone is enough for a hospital tank. Just don't use one that has had chemicals in it for cleaning your house. I hear ya. If you can get to Bunnings, pick up a small bag of Potassium sulphate (potash). That will help raise pH and keep it there. Only a little potassium is needed. Any brand, just make sure it's not in capsule/tablet/pill form. You want the oil. And make sure it's not the essential oil stuff, which have additives. You want the pure carvacrol oil 80% or above. Re-Read the Disease and Diagnostics post carefully. Details are all there. Oergano oil is powerful stuff, a very effective antibacterial. Too much will harm the shrimps. Oregano Oil (Carvacrol 83%) diluted in distilled / tankwater at roughly one drop of Oregano oil to 90 drops of water. Add this to food for the shrimp. https://solutions4health.com.au/product/50ml-bottle-oil-of-wild-oregano-black-seed-oil/

Ok I'll try and test at the same time and see what I find! As for the shrimp, all had died by the time I got that 7.6 ph reading last week. I had 1 shrimplet survive until yesterday when I found it dead.