Major Problems with pH

[thenine]

Hi all,
I'm looking for some advice on getting the pH up and keeping it up in my tank. The tank I am having problems with is a 29 gallon tank with roughly 20 freshwater fish in it. Red Eyed Tetras, Gouramis, Threadfins, Guppies, and Danios are the fish in it. The pH is always in the low 6's. I.E. 6.4 - 6.0. I can't seem to get it to stay up around 7 for the life of me. Current tank conditions - pH 6.3, Nitrite - 0 ppm, KH - 6, Ammonia 0 ppm, GH - 6. Temperature is kept around 76-78. Serveral live plants are inside, including amazon swords, java ferns, couple others. I do water changes around once a month. I have tried the Proper pH buffer by Aquarium Phamaceuticals till I realized it was bad for the plants due to phosphates. I have also added root fertilizer as well as liquid fertilizer. Also some easy balance water conditioner. I tired some Correct pH tabs tonight from Jungle since it says they are ok for plants(I am assuming they are phosphate free). I am relatively new to fishkeeping, but a quick study. Does anyone have any advice on how to get the pH up and keep it there? Product suggestions that might work better and not harm the plants? Have I gunked up the water too much and should I try to clean it up with new water and start over? ANY advice is greatly appreciated.....Many Thanks,
The Nine

 

[ostrow]

I'll trade water with you nine!

Perhaps we can go halfsies cuz I'm up around 7.8, 7.9!

 

[William]

If the fish are content then you don't need to push the water's pH up, even if you use "pH up" or similar products all that you'll do is bring the pH up before the tank will slowly creep down to its previous levels after a few water changes. To get the pH up you could try using a buffer, something like cuttlefish works as a buffer, if the water is acidic the cuttlefish will start to be corroded and this reaction will remove the H+ (acid) ions from solution it will also increase your water's hardness. The pH will rise slowly, until there are no longer H+ ions and then... the cuttlefish will no longer corrode and so the tank will remain stable at around a neutral, or slightly acidic perhaps pH.

Like I said the old saying "if it ain't broke don't fix it " If the fish are ok with it then its probably fine....
Welcome to the forum!!

 

[angelphish]

getting a higher ph is much easer than a low ph, but like the leader said, once you get a higher ph it may drop quick without notice.
i've used crushed coral in my gravel, sea shells, and limestone to help raise my ph. But then again i started with a relatively high ph to begin with.
i've only dreamed of having a ph so low that i could keep apisto's with no trouble.
you could just be thankful for what you have and keep fish that prefer a low ph.