PH Problem

[magiteck]

Okay, so here's the scoop.... The PH in my aquarium is high (close to 7.6). I'm tried PH-Down, which does absolutely nothing for me. My aquarium is filled with just tap water treated with Aqua Safe. Nothing else added.

The peculiar part.... I've tested my tap water, straight. It tests at a perfect 7.0.

What is causing the PH in my tank to be so high? What can I do to lower it?

I'd appreciate any suggestions!

I'm somewhat concerned only because I just added a Bosemani rainbowfish, and I read that they prefer a PH actually below 7.0.....

Thanks!!

Jared

 

[reg2k2]

Could be something in the decor. Some rocks and shells can raise the pH.

 

[nikkidee2003]

myn lfs reccomended a piece of coral to lower PH cause the PH down done nothing for me either!

 

[reg2k2]

Think ur lfs outta have its head checked...coral raises pH.

 

[magiteck]

I used a gravel vac, would that take off possibly whatever is on the gravel that would possibly cause it to raise the PH?

I also did a 20% water change....we'll see if it does anything at all.

Thanks for the replies so far!


29 gallon Aquarium...
1 Bosemani Rainbowfish
1 Lg Australian Rainbowfish
5 Neon Tetras
2 Pristella Tetras
1 Female Betta

PS: Any suggestions on a good bottom feeder/scavenger or algae eater to add to my current family?

 

[clothahump]

A Ph that climbs has got to be caused by something in the tank as Reg said, look for small pieces of shell in the gravel.
If it is British it is more than likely from 5 miles from where I am sitting, it is known to contain some shell.
Nikki, you did not tell me about the Coral

 

[nikkidee2003]

didnt take them up on thier offer CH cause i thought salt water, but i was just adding my two pence worth,,,, i apologise sincerely for adding to the topic but it rang a bell so thats why i mentioned it!!

 

[Jamnog]

perhaps of you put a small peice of lime stone next to the intake of the filter or perhaps a peice of well worn chalk. small mind you. there are lots of rocks that can change the ph. im not shure about corel cant say as ive ever tried it but i would have thaught the salt would raise the hardness.

edit lime stone would not lower the ph it would raise it as the ph is more of an alkalinity scale

 

[reg2k2]

just adding my two pence worth,,,, i apologise sincerely for adding to the topic but it rang a bell so thats why i mentioned it!!

Nothing wrong with that...least I hope not...that's what I do.

I've seen a few posts lately, where people think limestone lowers the pH...there again--it raises it.
Besides, if you heard it that way, chances are someone else did...just serves to clear things up.

 

[Jamnog]

doh ive said it twice today!! i will have to traul my posts now looking for it.

 

[Kenliz]

adding salt will raise hardness as will coral and variuos other rocks. The best way to see if whats happening with your water is to test your tap water after it has been sitting in a glass for 24 hours letting any thing your local water board has added gas off. Plus test your tap water and tank water for Akalinity (KH) and general Hardness (GH). If your KH is to high you will never lower your pH by chemicals but will have to find out what is raising your KH in your tank if different from your tank water. Good Luck