Changing Ph In Breeding Tank

[Rorie]

Hi folks.

My discus were spawning in my main tank
GH 3
KH 1
PH 6.0

I moved them to my breeding tank, but as there is no CO2 or substrate, the PH has shot up to 8!! But the GH is still 3 and KH 2

I want to lower it, but how can i do this best in a breeding tank? I cant put in peat at its a sponge air driven filter.

I hear acorn cones or something may do it? Any info on this? Will the water still be clean for the discus breeding? Is there a better way to do it?

Thanks!

 

[TwoTankAmin18]

Things to lower pH, but be careful since lower KH can lead to a pH crash. Monitor things.

Alder cones
Oak Leaves
Almond leaves
Bog Wood

Peat also works well but takes more of an effort as it should be used via pretreated water not via putting peat in the filter. Even using the other things above you will need to do a lot of smaller regular water changes rather than one or two larger water changes in order to prevent your pH from bouncing around every waterchange.

The best way would be to use ro water mixed with your tap to achieve levels with which you are happy.

 

[Rorie]

I am going to do two things. One is active as of now, the other will try soon.

1) I found (i knew i had it somewhere) a PH6.5 buffer powder. I add the desired amount to the water i put back into the aquarium during a water change. I do a 50% change every day. So although people say chemicals are bad as they are unsteady (the argument still stands for the methods you have stated too) i hope to get around this with the water changes being regular.

Time will tell if this method works though as i'll test daily for fluctuations.

2) I am getting an hung filter. Just for the use of putting some Alder cones in if i need to. That way there will be no cones floating about upsetting the fry. I will DIY the intake hose so that it is right at the surface too.

Thanks for your input!