Lowering Ph

[juggernuts]

Hi guys basically my PH is constantly around 7.4 and im curios as to what methods people have used to lower it and keep it at a stable level.

Ive read about Peat and considerd peat tablets in my filter, but would this suffice?
Also read about bogwood but my tank is large and i have one largeish piece.

overall any advice would be greatly appreciated

Thanks
Paul

 

[backtotropical]

Hi,

Why are you considering lowering your pH? Adjusting the pH (especially downwards) can be a difficult and time consuming task, which much of the time isn't really required.

Of course there are occasions where it is required, and yours maybe one of them. I'm merely trying to point out that you should seek advice and think twice before trying to play with the pH.

If your pH does need adjusting, peat in the filter is a good way, as is adding bogwood, although both of these methods will also stain your water brown. Other methods include using RO water, De-ionised water, rainwater, or using proprietary water softening products available from your LFS.

I'd recommend that the products from the LFS should only be used as a last resort, and if using rainwater, it should be run through an activated carbon filter before use to remove any unwanted contaminants.

Let us know what your reasoning is behind wanting to reduce the pH, and we can advise you more specifically of what the best methods may be for you.

Cheers

BTT

 

[juggernuts]

Hey

long story short wanting to keep discuss and i read it maybe alright in my ph but would ideally like to bring it down slighty

 

[Bebobb]

I second the rain water. In my local aquarium club, there is a discus freak, and their discus are spawning constantly. They use rain water, and it seems to do the trick for them!

 

[Harlequins]

I personally wouldn't want to mess with the ph,mines quite high 7.8-8,but i haven't touched it,a stable ph is better for fish than a ph that fluctuates,and by changing it you must keep on top of it for the fishes sake...

 

[juggernuts]

well the thing is im wanting to keep these discuss which have been bred and live in ph 6.5 i just thought to bring my down slightly would be better for them thats all, im moving all other fish barring a common plec out of the tank so no worries about them.

 

[drobbyb]

Actually, I believe Jack Wattely wrote in one of his books that young discus show better growth in slightly alkaline water. I can't remember the name of the book and I can't find it in my stash though. You still need to do daily water changes however.

I know people that keep discus in water that has a higher pH than that, so you may just need to acclimate them properly using the drip method.

 

[Le Sorcier]

My pH has always been steady at 8.0

I've plenty of fish that ideally would like a bit lower. Should I lower it or keep the same?

 

[juggernuts]

in that case do you reckon if i properly acclimatise the discuss with my water they should be ok?

what would you guys recommend is the best method for this really slow acclimatisation?

thanks everyone
paul

 

[backtotropical]

I think Discus would be fine in a pH of 7.4, if properly acclimitised.

The best method for acclimitising these fish is, as mentioned above, the drip method. Basically dripping the new water into their old water very slowly until the water is almost entirely made up of the new water. Patience is the key here and it wouldn't be unusual for the process to take 24hrs.

On the other hand, keeping Discus is one of the reasons I would generally recommend lowering the pH because the fish can be so sensitive. Stability is the key here and I'd recommend lots of bogwood is your best option. The discus will like it too.

Whichever you decide will be absolutely fine.

BTT

 

[drobbyb]

Agree with backtotropical. Stability is really important with sensitive fish such as discus.