Natural Ph Of My Tap Water

[Kelly-Jo]

The pH of my tap water is actually really quite high. I'd never really bothered with pH much before so haven't really tested for it as the fish I kept have a wide range with regard to pH. However, the fish I'm looking to get require neutral to slightly alkaline water. My water has a pH of 8. Out of curiosity, what are some examples of fish that are best kept at this pH and what can I do to lower it slightly?

 

[Juggler75]

The cichlids from rift valley would find that starting position very appealing

To lower it then you could add peat/leaves etc to soften the water (there is usually a link between the hardness and alkilinity of the water) and therefore reduce the ph slightly. Adding CO2 would apparently reduce the pH too.

HTH

 

[jonnyf84]

ro water or bog wood

ro water or bog wood

 

[Man of fish]

I think angels like a alkaline ph. Not sure.

 

[jonnyf84]

I think angels like a alkaline ph. Not sure.

angels prefer soft, acidic water.

 

[Man of fish]

Really? Oh maybe I saw a different type of fish then they looked alot like angels and the worker at the LFS said they liked a ph of 8.0. Must of been a different species.

 

[jonnyf84]

Really? Oh maybe I saw a different type of fish then they looked alot like angels and the worker at the LFS said they liked a ph of 8.0. Must of been a different species.

must be, they are adaptable but do prefer it soft, acidic, warm, slow flow, that's why they are one of few compatible tank mates for discus.

 

[chokko]

what happens to your pH over time though OP ?

my water is soft but pH is 8.2 out of the tap.

once each tank has cycled...i noticed that pH is more like 6.4...presumably due to the soft water.