Lowering alkalinity

[Nirvelligras]

i have two betta males in separate 5.5 gallon tanks. Both tanks tested high for alkalinity and slightly high PH. I know a ph swing can be harmful so how can i lower the alkalinity (and in one case soften the water) without drastically affecting the pH level?

 

[Byron]

First, by alkalinity do you mean carbonate hardness? Or are you using the term in the former sense of a pH above 7 which is today more often termed "basic?"

Alkalinity as carbonate hardness is connected to the GH because both have to do with minerals like calcium primarily and magnesium. Alkalinity buffers the pH, preventing fluctuations, so the higher the Alkalinity the more the pH will resist efforts to change it.

The only safe and effective way to lower the Alkalinity is by diluting the water with some form of "pure" water, such as distilled, reverse osmosis or sometimes rainwater. This will simultaneously reduce the GH and KH (Alkalinity) in proportion. At the same time, the pH usually lowers as well, since the three are connected.

Is this "high Alkalinity" in your source water itself (tap water)? Or just in the water after it has been in the aquarium? The latter would indicate that something calcareous in thee aquarium (rock or substrate composed of a calcareous mineral such as calcium, aragonite, dolomite, limestone, marble, coral) is affecting the GH/KH/pH. And can you give us the number and unit of measurement for the GH, KH (Alkalinity) and pH?

Byron.

 

[Nirvelligras]

First, by alkalinity do you mean carbonate hardness? Or are you using the term in the former sense of a pH above 7 which is today more often termed "basic?"

Alkalinity as carbonate hardness is connected to the GH because both have to do with minerals like calcium primarily and magnesium. Alkalinity buffers the pH, preventing fluctuations, so the higher the Alkalinity the more the pH will resist efforts to change it.

The only safe and effective way to lower the Alkalinity is by diluting the water with some form of "pure" water, such as distilled, reverse osmosis or sometimes rainwater. This will simultaneously reduce the GH and KH (Alkalinity) in proportion. At the same time, the pH usually lowers as well, since the three are connected.

Is this "high Alkalinity" in your source water itself (tap water)? Or just in the water after it has been in the aquarium? The latter would indicate that something calcareous in thee aquarium (rock or substrate composed of a calcareous mineral such as calcium, aragonite, dolomite, limestone, marble, coral) is affecting the GH/KH/pH. And can you give us the number and unit of measurement for the GH, KH (Alkalinity) and pH?

Byron.

I’m just referring to the results i got from testing the water with a strip so I’m not sure which one that is. And it’s from the water testing i took from my aquarium although i haven’t tested my water straight from the tap( i will do that) so that might be it. The ph was around 8.5 and the alkalinity was almost the highest it can go 720ppm and in terms of hardness one tank was alright and the other was about 170 ppm i do have strips and will be getting an actual kit to test these things in a few days to be more accurate

 

[Byron]

I’m just referring to the results i got from testing the water with a strip so I’m not sure which one that is. And it’s from the water testing i took from my aquarium although i haven’t tested my water straight from the tap( i will do that) so that might be it. The ph was around 8.5 and the alkalinity was almost the highest it can go 720ppm and in terms of hardness one tank was alright and the other was about 170 ppm i do have strips and will be getting an actual kit to test these things in a few days to be more accurate

I wold check with your municipal water authority, on their website, for the data on the water. Many include GH, Alkalinity and pH. That would be reliable as for the tap water.

Also, so you know, when testing tap water yourself for pH (just the pH here), you need to out-gas the CO2 as this will often affect the pH test. Letting a glass of tap water sit for 24 hours works to do this, then test that water.

 

[Nirvelligras]

I wold check with your municipal water authority, on their website, for the data on the water. Many include GH, Alkalinity and pH. That would be reliable as for the tap water.

Also, so you know, when testing tap water yourself for pH (just the pH here), you need to out-gas the CO2 as this will often affect the pH test. Letting a glass of tap water sit for 24 hours works to do this, then test that water.

Ok thank you so much! I have read a good way of lowering alkalinity and hardness is by adding part water(reverse osmosis or distilled i have seen a lot of debate on both) along with the comditioned tap. Do you happen to know if this is true?

 

[Byron]

Ok thank you so much! I have read a good way of lowering alkalinity and hardness is by adding part water(reverse osmosis or distilled i have seen a lot of debate on both) along with the comditioned tap. Do you happen to know if this is true?

Yes, I said this up in post #2.

 

[Nirvelligras]

Yes, I said this up in post #2.

Whoops sorry i forgot but thanks for all the help