Increasing Ph For Tanganyikans

[Kevdogg852000]

Hi, I have a question about raising Ph. I have a 29 gallon tanganyikan tank, with 3 compressiceps and 3 julidochromis regani right now. The Ph is only 7.2 and I know this is too low. I would like to raise it to about 8. Temp is stable at about 78-80. I was wondering what's the most effective way to raise the Ph gradually as to not shock the fish. I bought sodium bicarbonate, but it doesn't have dosing instructions. Any input on how to increase Ph + hardness would be appreciated. Right now I have 2 penguim filters and I do weekly water changes. The water where I live appears rather neutral.

Thanks,
Kevin

 

[jayjay]

you could add some calcium containing rock to your substrate or use actual rocks.

increase the pH of water your going to put in the tank some people use chemicals.

i'm not the most experienced with raising tank with fish in them though so wait for advice of other people aswel.

hope that helps you out

 

[Kevdogg852000]

I added a couple of large shells from a previous salt water setup to raise the Ph, but I don't know if that'll be enough. Let it set a couple days and recheck it. If it's not at least 7.5-7.7, i'm going to add some sodium bicarbonate. I just don't know the amount per gallon to raise Ph say, .5-1.0 points.

 

[mamafish68]

any access to a filter called AQUACLEAR? its a nice size box filter with sponges for great biological filtration but in the basket is room for a bag of crushed coral, along with some on the subtrate and some being in constant movement with water will slowly raise the Ph,

I do not advise using buffers / chemicals, the chance for PH shock is too high, with crushed coral which is found in any salt water fish area of the lfs it safer and more reliable.

also, any access to LIMESTONE? it's a SUPER buffer

 

[BabySealClubber]

OP: Baking soda will raise pH up to about 8.4. Go slowly, gradually.

 

[bobf]

OP: Baking soda will raise pH up to about 8.4. Go slowly, gradually.

...and just in case, with baking soda you can't get above 8.4 however much you use!

But go slowly anyway - what about crushed coral for a substrate? Thats what I use with Tufa rock works a treat.

 

[mamafish68]

bobs not reading other replys?



crushed coral was brought up, hope he has access to some, easier then dealing with baking soda all the time.

 

[Kevdogg852000]

yeah, I have access to crushed coral and limestone, I'll spread some as substrate, I just don't want to cause the fish Ph shock. Adding these to the tank will increase Ph slowly, correct?