Low Ph...

[jonny toe tags]

I have a big piece of driftwood in my new 65 gal, ans was wondering if removing it would help in raising the low ph.
Other than the low ph, the other readings are fine.
I did a 30% water change yesterday also.

ph is at 6.5 right now.

 

[modernhamlet]

6.5 is a perfectly fine pH for most tropical freshwater fish.

The important thing with pH is keeping it stable. Have you seen wide fluctuations? What is the pH of your tapwater?

One theory: kH may be the issue. If the alkalinity of the tapwater is very low, then it becomes much easier for things like driftwood to drive down the pH dangerously. I don't think you're there yet, but it's something to look into.

 

[jonny toe tags]

ph of the tapwater is around 7

The only fish in the tank right now are 2 angels, 2 dwarf gouramis and 2 bala sharks. They were the reason i got the bigger tank.

I would feel better if the ph was a bit higher...
when i test it, it's the very faint green color..and im scared that soon it will be yellow.

 

[tstenback]

AS modernhamlet said it is more important to keep the PH stable than to worry that it is not at a particular Level. If you have no specific reason to change it I would leave it. However, like MH also stated, keep an eye on the level if it keeps going down then you will have to something to keep the level stable. If the fish show no signs of stress then all is fine for now. My PH right out of the tap is 6.2 and i have Angels and gouramis in my tanks so i think all will be fine with regular water changes and monitoring. Keep us posted though if anything changes. HTH

 

[Bangin]

modernhamlet has a good point. The KH may be the problem.

Have you tested the KH? If need be, you can raise the KH by adding baking soda to the tank. I must add baking soda to raise my KH, because it's too low for the injection of CO2.

I think the measurement is 1/2 tsp. baking soda per 20-25 gallons will raise the KH by 1 dH. Good luck.

 

[modernhamlet]

I have had the same problem you have had for quite some time. The culprit in my case was a VERY low Carbonate Hardness (kH). kH is a measure of the buffering in the tank, meaning the ability of the tank to resist a change in pH caused by added acid. If the alkalinity (kH) is very low, any added acid (i.e. the tannins in the driftwood) can drive down the pH dangerously.

That said, 6.5 is probably the ideal pH for the fish you are currently keeping. If you can keep it stable anywhere between 6.5 and 7, you should be just fine. STABILITY is the key.

Definitely go to your LFS and have them test your kH.