High Ph, Any Tips?

[greenmumma141]

I am looking for ways to lower my ph. It is constantly at 8.0, and I'm not sure why. my tap ranges between 7.6-7.8. I would like to get a small group of rams in the near future, which require a much lower ph. I have heard of using peat moss, which I am going to try, but was wondering if any has had any success with products like API's PH down or anything like that. I just started a new tank and am very hesitant to add unnecessary chems. Any tips, tricks, or info is very much appreciated

 

[scotty]

add bogwood to your tank

i have came across these but have not used them personally


http/www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MEDIUM-AQUARIUM-PEAT-BALLS-X-5-LOWER-pH-AID-FISH-BREEDING-1-PER-50-LITRES-/321047368286?pt=UK_Pet_Supplies_Fish&hash=item4abfea125e

 

[greenmumma141]

I have tried bogwood, but alas.... no luck

I think Ill be going to the hardware store and picking up some peat moss to stuff in a media bag for my two filters. Ill see if that does anything. I would like to try that first before adding any chems. Thanks for the link scotty

 

[fluttermoth]

You really need to know the hardness of your water as well.

If the high pH is being caused by hardness (which is basically how many dissolved minerals are in the water), then you need to remove the hardness, or it will just buffer the pH right back up.

Also, have you tested your tap water after it's been left to stand for 24 hours? If there's something in your tank that's raising pH/hardness, then you'd need to get rid of that.

 

[greenmumma141]

is there a test kit to measure the hardness of my water?? I haven't let the tap rest for that long, I will though. Thanks for the tip

 

[fluttermoth]

There are test kits for hardness, yes, but you can probably find out from your local water suppliers website.

 

[sebn]

What do you currently have in your tank in terms of decor? What is your substrate? What type of rocks do you have (if any)? Just wondering if you have anything that is pushing the ph up.

 

[greenmumma141]

I have 4 pieces of driftwood, ranging in wood species and thickness, I have playsand substrate, java ferns, anubias, and vallis. I have large rocks but all were cleaned before adding them. The ph in my old tank was the same as well, and the only thing that is the same is one piece of driftwood. I'm thinking it has to be the tap water. I bet when I test the tap that's been sitting out, it will have risen. Is it the iron or minerals in the tap that need time to rise, or what???

 

[garyspence84]

Get yer wellies on 'n' move tae Scotland The waters great here.

I have read that adding almond leaves can help lower your PH. But as said, test your water and find out how all your stats are sitting, post your results on here and then someone will be able to help you a bit better

 

[greenmumma141]

Okay, so my tap that's been sitting out for 24 hours reads at 8.2

so atleast I know it's not anything in my tank that's raising it. Im going to try some peat moss today, hopefully that helps. And maybe some almond leaves from ebay too.

I also have another concern, my tank water is only reading in the middle of 0ppm-5.0ppm nitrates. my tap is at zero. Should i have more nitrates than this??? Thanks for all the help!

 

[Sammy1911]

Alder cones work well

 

[paradiddle]

add bogwood its ALOT cheaper. try peat balls if needed, but dont go for a chemical powder if you can, because they dont work that well really. i read the back of the API one the other day, it says to add LOADS per like 40L, and to check regularly (which ofcourse means more API test kits) (see what they did there) and to top up when ever it differs by .2
LOL?! now thats money making. most fish will adapt to a pH that isnt TOO ridiculous.
try a few good sized pieces of bogwood and leave it 48hrs

Okay, so my tap that's been sitting out for 24 hours reads at 8.2

so atleast I know it's not anything in my tank that's raising it. Im going to try some peat moss today, hopefully that helps. And maybe some almond leaves from ebay too.

I also have another concern, my tank water is only reading in the middle of 0ppm-5.0ppm nitrates. my tap is at zero. Should i have more nitrates than this??? Thanks for all the help!

you dont want ANY ammonia, nitrite or nitrate. the lower the better.
Unless your doing a cycle ofc

Also, are you using a dechlorinator?

 

[greenmumma141]

yes i always use dechlorinator (stress coat). Should I turn my filter off when adding dechlorinator? which brings me to another question, is it necessary to have carbon in your filter?? Ive always kept it, but i find it really annoying to take it in and out to add dechlorinator and I always do daily ferts now too. I have four pieces of wood in the tank already, which might be why my ph in the tank is 8.0 and my tap is 8.2.

I thought you were supposed to have some nitrates in your tank water??

 

[eaglesaquarium]

NItrates will be in your water, but you want to keep it as low as possible, generally - but there are some exceptions, I believe.


I aim to keep my nitrates below 40ppm.

 

[greenmumma141]

NItrates will be in your water, but you want to keep it as low as possible, generally - but there are some exceptions, I believe.


I aim to keep my nitrates below 40ppm.

I know you said that in the other thread, and that's why Im confused lol unless I am reading my results wrong lol my nitrates are only around 3 or 4 ppm.