Themuleous
Fish Connoisseur
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- Jan 13, 2006
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Just a few points 
i) there are two types (if not more) of 'bogwood' manopi which is really just a tree that they cut down and sand blast, this in my experience wont affect pH at all. Then there is the true bogwood that they remove from bogs (possible some environmental issues with this that you might not feel comfortable with). I had a piece of this once (without realising it) and it removed all the KH in my tank. Not sure how but it very definitely did (and others have said the same thing). I increased the KH using bicarb and within a day it was all gone, and the pH dropped off the chart as a consequence. Removed the wood and it all settled back at its normal 4KH and pH7. So I would warn against using this type of wood as its unpredictable, especially for those new to the hobby.
ii) Adding an airstone wont (or shouldn't) do anything to the tank chemistry as the tank water will already be in equilibrium with the air anyway.
iii) Co2 will lower pH but it can be difficult to get right and expensive depending on the size of the tank. But it does work well (also helps the plants if you're intending to have live ones)
iv) You could try using RO water mixed with tap water, something like 25/75% tap to RO this should lower the hardness (both KH and GH) of the tank water over time and should also then lower pH. But getting RO water from a shop tends to work out expensive. RO units can be expensive to buy but work out cheaper in the long run. also have the problem of running the unit, collecting the RO water and storing it.
v) Dont use products, if you start using them to lower pH you'll have to use them continuously to keep it low and Im never a fan of adding chemicals unless you absolutely have to.
vi) Have you considered keeping cichlids? The African ones need higher pH and hard water?
Hope that helps
Sam
i) there are two types (if not more) of 'bogwood' manopi which is really just a tree that they cut down and sand blast, this in my experience wont affect pH at all. Then there is the true bogwood that they remove from bogs (possible some environmental issues with this that you might not feel comfortable with). I had a piece of this once (without realising it) and it removed all the KH in my tank. Not sure how but it very definitely did (and others have said the same thing). I increased the KH using bicarb and within a day it was all gone, and the pH dropped off the chart as a consequence. Removed the wood and it all settled back at its normal 4KH and pH7. So I would warn against using this type of wood as its unpredictable, especially for those new to the hobby.
ii) Adding an airstone wont (or shouldn't) do anything to the tank chemistry as the tank water will already be in equilibrium with the air anyway.
iii) Co2 will lower pH but it can be difficult to get right and expensive depending on the size of the tank. But it does work well (also helps the plants if you're intending to have live ones
)iv) You could try using RO water mixed with tap water, something like 25/75% tap to RO this should lower the hardness (both KH and GH) of the tank water over time and should also then lower pH. But getting RO water from a shop tends to work out expensive. RO units can be expensive to buy but work out cheaper in the long run. also have the problem of running the unit, collecting the RO water and storing it.
v) Dont use products, if you start using them to lower pH you'll have to use them continuously to keep it low and Im never a fan of adding chemicals unless you absolutely have to.
vi) Have you considered keeping cichlids? The African ones need higher pH and hard water?
Hope that helps
Sam
