Ph Problem

[matty2k]

Hi people i have a problem with my Rio240 tank. I keep loosing fish without any diseases so i when out an bought water tests = PH test, Nitrite (NO2)& Ammonia NH3/NH4. Tested all three now and the nitrite and ammonia were both on the lowest on the coloured chart, but my PH showed 8 . So i tested my tap water and that too was 8. Anyone know what i can do to solve this problem as i want my water between 6.5 - 7. Any advice welcome.
ps i have 1 piece of large bogwood, over 40 plants, gravel substrate, no rocks (now)!

 

[the biffster]

what fish you keeping

 

[matty2k]

3 small angels, 2 Elephant noses, 3 Cockatoo cichlids, 2 Bolivian Rams, 3 Guppies, 1 molly, 2 Gouramis, 2 albino bristelnose plecs, rainbow shark, and albino shark. 20 all in all

 

[Bazza57]

Hi Matty2K,

Some would count living in a hard water area as a blessing. However, I can understand your concern especially if you are losing fish.
As you've indicated - you already have a large piece of bogwood (which should help bring down the PH) you could also try adding aquarium grade peat to your filter, this may slightly discolour your water, but should reduce the PH reading, I think there is also something called "black water extract" which is popular with discus keepers. you could experiment a little with some of these, though not all at the same time of course - softly, softly does it

 

[the biffster]

Hi Matty2K,

Some would count living in a hard water area as a blessing. However, I can understand your concern especially if you are losing fish.
As you've indicated - you already have a large piece of bogwood (which should help bring down the PH, you could also try adding aquarium grade peat to your filter, this may slightly discolour your water, but should reduce the PH reading, I think there is also something called "black water extract" which is popular with discus keepers. you could experiment a little with some of these.

i used to use humaqat by waterlife

 

[matty2k]

this may sound dumb but can i get this at any pet store?

 

[the biffster]

this may sound dumb but can i get this at any pet store?

most good lfs should sell both peat
and humaqat

 

[Bazza57]

this may sound dumb but can i get this at any pet store?

Most LFS stock this stuff, the good ones at any rate.

Black water extract - is marketed by tetra
Aquarium peat - by most aquarium stockists
humaquat - waterlife

all are aquatic products, should be easy enough to get.
Good luck.

 

[matty2k]

much appreciated cheers

 

[matty2k]

Is Waterlife Buffer 6.5 Aquarium Water PH Buffer Adjuster ANYGOOD?

 

[Bazza57]

Never used it, so I can't say.
But it sounds promising -it is actually made for adjusting PH, and is from a reliable manufacturer, so go ahead.
Just remember, if you adjust your PH -do it in gradual stages to acclimatised your fish