Angelfish acclimation

[HeatherSweetness]

My water pH is right at 8.0 and I know angels like it a bit lower. Should I lower it a tad for them or cross my fingers and hope for the best? I've never kept them before and two just died just up out of nowhere. They were fine and *poof* floaters. Will they be allright at my pH? I have the hardest water.

 

[jaimoe]

Maybe add some driftwood for decoration. Driftwood lowers the PH over time. I'd think the angels would be ok for a while so long as you acclimized them slowly, but I'm not sure.

 

[ScuabaDuba]

Get a target chemical to neutralize it.

 

[HeatherSweetness]

How'z about the baking soda method?

 

[HeatherSweetness]

Also,I have 5 giant danios,6 rummynose tetras a pencilfish and a betta in there. Shouldn't hurt them to lower the pH a tad,eh?

 

[jaimoe]

Baking soda adds buffering capability to your water and genderally results in the PH going UP, sometimes rather significantly.

The other fish should all be fine with lower PH.

 

[KnuckleHead]

You can purchase some driftwood but that can be on the expensive side if your low on funds. There are other methods such as peat pellets you can place in the filter or a product called black water extract that aids in mimicing the amazon water. Your other occupants will be just fine in the lower PH. Remember to lower it gradually so as not to give them PH shock. HTH

Ed

 

[David]

You can purchase some driftwood but that can be on the expensive side if your low on funds. There are other methods such as peat pellets you can place in the filter or a product called black water extract that aids in mimicing the amazon water. Your other occupants will be just fine in the lower PH. Remember to lower it gradually so as not to give them PH shock. HTH

Ed

I agree. I have used both of these methods to lower the pH in my tank it it has worked wonderfully. for me, lowering my pH by about 1.5

 

[HeatherSweetness]

I have some driftwood. It'll need to be cleaned. I've never seen black water extract,how about the almond leaves? I've used it for the bettas,does it serve the same purpose?

 

[KnuckleHead]

Im not familiar with almond leaves. Never used the stuff myself. I would suggest in doing a test to see exactly what it does then let me know, Im curious.

 

[HeatherSweetness]

I'm guessing the pH lowering stuff in the bottle is no good,eh

 

[David]

No, it adds chemicals to the water which may/may not have a negative effect on your fish. Natural methods are much safer.

 

[Melfice]

I have two tanks running right now with an PH of 8.0 and 4 Angelfish (two in each tank). No issues at all. They are very healthy and happy for the last 7 months. My first tank cycled with two Angelfish in it. They never got ill or showed signs of stress (yeah I was a newbie lol). Also, I have two German Blue Rams and they are doing great also. I would not mess with your PH levels. I hear it can cost you a lot time and fish etc. Good luck with the Angels. They are beautiful fish indeed.

 

[David]

Quite so. Angels are much hardier than people think. My first pair lived for several years and spawned for me several times in my 10 gallon tank! They are amazingly beautiful, graceful, peaceful yet tough as nails. A perfect combo.

 

[FishDan]

I agree. Leave your pH alone. My aquarium pH is 8.2 and my angel is doing great, and has been for over a year. If you are buying locally, chances are good the pH at your LFS is similar to yours. If it isn't (or if you don't know, or even if it is) just acclimate your angels (and all new fish, IMO) a little longer than you would normally.

And chemicals for adjusting pH are evil. They do not keep your pH at a stable level and often add chemicals that halp things like algae. Stay away from them, IMO they are not worth the risk to your fish.

\Dan