Ph Too Low

[irvs]

Im having a big problem with the PH level in my tank, its planted and i run a diy co2 (yeast version). I know running co2 lowere the ph but its lowering it too much i think for my ram cichlid.
Im using an "API Master Test Kit" and its giving me the minimum reading of 6.0PH so it could be lower again. Should i just ditch the kit and have the PH raise itself with more frequent water changes or is there anything i should be doing.


thanks loads neil.

 

[MewMew42]

what is your tap water reading?

=]

 

[PDSimon]

Remember you need to keep the pH stable and not up and down

 

[meguro]

i have 3 bolivian rams in a tank with pH 6 or less. there is no visible signs of stress. they even spawn every now and then

 

[irvs]

hi, thanks for the replies. My tap water has a 7.5PH too high i no, thath why i was relying on the co2 to buffer the PH. Ive ditched the diy co2 cause of the unstable PH. So what could i use to buffer the PH in its place?

Thanks neil.

 

[kaivalagi]

Pete slugs in the filter, almond leaves...I am sure there are more options too but best to go with what people already use. I don't buffer pH as I don't need to so this is just what I've read

 

[rdp50734]

I use this
http/cgi.ebay.co.uk/WATERLIFE-pH-6-5-BUFFER-180g-IDEAL-DISCUS-/350136694500?cmd=ViewItem&pt=UK_Pet_Supplies_Fish&hash=item5185c5f6e4#ht_2428wt_732

I have had no probs so far!

 

[irvs]

what about crushed coral / shells, would that help?? iv LOADS around the house. Also would peat soil in a net bag work instead of the peat slugs??

Thanks neil

 

[kaivalagi]

what about crushed coral / shells, would that help?? iv LOADS around the house. Also would peat soil in a net bag work instead of the peat slugs??

Thanks neil

Crushed coral and shells will up the pH, normally marine and african cichlid fish keepers use that when they need a pH above 8

Peat soil in a nylon tight might work, I bet someone has done it with success, a lot cheaper too I would imagine!

 

[irvs]

sorry only remembered about crushed coral / shells uping the PH after i hit post.lol. going to give the peat a go on friday. thanks loads kaivalagi uve been a huge help.

Thanks neil

 

[PDSimon]

sorry only remembered about crushed coral / shells uping the PH after i hit post.lol. going to give the peat a go on friday. thanks loads kaivalagi uve been a huge help.

Thanks neil

I'm confused, I thought you wanted a higher pH?

Peat will lower it. Highering pH with crushed corals is apparently much easier than lowering it. It lasts years. If you want to lower your pH, kaivs given you the right stuff

 

[kaivalagi]

sorry only remembered about crushed coral / shells uping the PH after i hit post.lol. going to give the peat a go on friday. thanks loads kaivalagi uve been a huge help.

Thanks neil

I'm confused, I thought you wanted a higher pH?

Peat will lower it. Highering pH with crushed corals is apparently much easier than lowering it. It lasts years. If you want to lower your pH, kaivs given you the right stuff

No I think his pH has lowered too much due to a CO2 DIY kit, so he wants to remove that and use an alternative method to bring pH down from 7.5 (his tank pH)

 

[irvs]

my words exactly kaivalagi, thats my exact plans.