I need some lowereing ph tips

[platyperson]

I need some lowereing ph tips

 

[impur]

There are lots of ways to lower your pH, but i should ask why first?

 

[freddyk]

Don't. Really. The only method reliable method is to start with R/O water and take it from there. What are your parameters?

 

[platyperson]

Ph:8
I know, i know..... its very high but no cichlids in there yet.

 

[BlueIce]

Cichlids can adapt very well to a ph of 8.Having a constant ph is more important the worrying about a .5 dif from recommended ph level.
Adding stuff to change your ph all the time just ends up stressing out the fish.

 

[freddyk]

My PH is 8.

You really don't need to mess with the water, the fish will do just fine in yours.

 

[platyperson]

Cool, the tank is 21 gallons and it has 3 platies. i was think of getting something on the lines of some angelfish? But I would only females or males only, because I dont want them to breed.

 

[Fat Boy]

Hi Platyperson, I'd agree with everyone in saying a stable PH is more inportant than a PERFECT PH, and I certainly wouldn't add any meds to lower ( or raise ) your PH, but in saying that if you were desperate you could always add CO2. In a tank your size THIS would do fine, it SHOULD lower your PH and if you have plants will help them grow. HTH.

 

[platyperson]

Cool, I need help choosing fish now. What would be compatible with platies?

 

[j@mie]

Cool, I need help choosing fish now. What would be compatible with platies?

hmm platies! im sure that PH is too high for platies, u cant really mix fish that require different parameters. If your gonna want platies/mollies etc then i would lower the PH first

and compatabilty wise, anything that doesnt nip unless u have a huge tank, and even then, chances are slim.

My community atm consists of (75g) 7 tiger barbs, 3 clown loach, 7 neons, 3 corys, 1 pleco, 1 angel fish and All is happy - but if this tank was smaller, then it would be a different story

 

[pnyklr3]

I disagree. If the fish are bought locally, they are more than likely already adapted to the local pH. There are people in my area who have platties and angels (although not in the same tanks) and our pH is almost 9.

 

[parker313]

In a tank of 21 gallons, you're pretty much going to be limited to the dwarf cichlids like rams or apistos. Kribs might work well too. 21g is too small for angels.

 

[Discomafia]

Driftwood or bogwood wil do the trick. So will adding CO2 and using peat. I stay away from chemicals.