low pH

[dylema]

I have just tested the pH in My Yabbie tank and found that it is between 5 and 5.5. Both of my other tanks are at 7.5 as is the tap water which I use to fill them all. I have the same gravel in one other tank so I don't think that is causing the difference. There is carbon in the filter in the yabbie tank and not in the others, Could this change the pH? Also there is a piece of wood in the yabbie tank and not an any of the others, is this likely to change the pH?
Thanks in advance.

 

[B75]

What sort of wood have you got in your yabbie tank as some types of wood do lower ph's. I actually use bog wood to lower my ph from 8.5 down to 7.5.

 

[paulthegreat]

Try to take out the wood and do a partial change, test the pH about an hour after the change wait a couple days and test again. If the pH does not go way down again then it was likely the wood. If you put it back in and test again after a few days then you will know for sure. HOWEVER; messing with the pH can cause a lot of problems for the fish. If you see a definate indication that it was the wood then think about leaving the wood out or trying a different kind. HTH and please use caution.