DIY pH and adjusters.

[maxpayne_lhp]

Hello all,
Let me explain you a bit about my situation.
I live in Vietnam, where aquatic hobby has not developed yet (or has not started at all, you may say) And I now run into a shortage of equipment. Luckily, I can take some basic knowlegede about this hobby trhough books and several message boards.
I've just though alot yesterday about how to apply what I learn at school to how I should deal with such shortage...
Okay. Now let me start my simple project first, on DIY pH adjusters.
To increase acidity, we may use sodium acid phosphate (as I read in books) what should I address so these Vietnamese sellers understand? Then what should the portion is the most ideal so that we cab handle well?
To increase alkalinity, we may use sodium bicarbonate. Again, what should I address it and what portion should I take?
Thanks for your time, I'm looking forward to see your replies...

 

[Silly me]

what is your current PH and why do you want to change it??

I'm currently breeding discus in a PH of 8.1
our water is soft, but nothing you add, not even acid could make the hardness any lower.

I would recommend you dont change you PH unless its so low or high that fish cant live in it..

if any I would recommend you change the hardness GH and KH. by means of R/O water

 

[Torrean]

I was gonna suggest distilled water to lower the PH since that's what happened when I used it in my tank. What's the difference between distilled water and RO water by the way.

 

[Rivermud76]

Distilled Water has no value and is not recommended for aquarium usage. Distillation means that the water has been fully purified - this includes bactieria which are needed in water for fish survival. RO filters only remove things like hard metals, Salts, and the like. They work by forcing water, under high pressure, through a semi permeable synthetic membrane.

 

[maxpayne_lhp]

what is your current PH and why do you want to change it??

I'm currently breeding discus in a PH of 8.1
our water is soft, but nothing you add, not even acid could make the hardness any lower.

I would recommend you dont change you PH unless its so low or high that fish cant live in it..

if any I would recommend you change the hardness GH and KH. by means of R/O water

Well, I just want to manage my pH that's all

I know that it's hard and a bit dangerous if the chemical is too much but it sems it's the only way...
Thanks for the ideas, I'm still listening...

 

[Silly me]

you could add battery acid to the water to lower the PH.. the thing is if you add anything your hardening the water.. equal amounts acid + alkaline = neutral water & salt.