How can I lower the pH

[poorstudent]

I tried to do a search, but it limits the search word to 4 or more letters... "pH" won't work!

So, my tap water pH is 8.4. Is there a way to lower it? I was planning on adding a big hunk of drift wood. Will this lower the pH? How does this affect water parameters during water changes though? Am I just destined to have only fish and plants that live will at high pH?

Thanks!

 

[Fish_Mike]

lol, no you're not destined to have high ph!

Yes, adding the driftwood will lower your ph over time, and also depending on the type of filter you have, you could stick peat fiber in there, or if your filter is unsuitable i would just put the peat in a mesh bag and hang the bag on the output of the filter so that the current will pass through the peat. I don't think it will change your parameters at all during water changes. If you want to find out more, try typing

'lowering ph'

that brings it to over 4 letters

 

[BigC]

Three methods are CO2 injection, Rainwater and tapwater mix. Reverse Osmosis.
All require monitoring at frequent intervals. I use CO2 for my main tank in the living room in which I grow plants and keep tetras. It is currently set to keep the pH stable at 6.8 The rainwater and tapwater method I use for breeding Killifish. The reverse osmosis I have not used due to the wifes insistance on no more contraptions in the kitchen. I'm sure some other forum member will advise you on this method if you post a new thread.
Regards
BigC

 

[tttnjfttt]

Before you begin to play wiht your pH, it is important to know what the KH, or buffering capactiy, is of your water. My water comes out of the tap with a pH of 9+, but because I have a low KH, the pH settles down to 8. If you don't have the test kit for this, pour a cup of water, leave it sit out over night, and then test the pH again. This will give you a better idea of what you are dealing with. Also, what fish are you planing on keeping? Some can easily handle the higher pH and even thrive in it.

Whatever you decide to do, don't begin messing around wiht the chemicals the LPS/LFS sell to alter the pH. THey do not hold the pH stable, which is more important than having an ideal pH.

 

[poorstudent]

Thanks for all the ideas. I need to take a few more readings and see if things come down a bit - especially after I add the driftwood. You all are great!