Ph In A Planted Aquarium

[mark4785]

I was just wondering if a PH level of 6.6 is something to be expected in a planted aquarium complete with c02 injection. The fish I currently have in my aquarium tend to prefer a PH of neutral or acidic so I can see my PH level benefiting them but can it have any detrimental effects?

The reason I ask is due to never having my PH level this low so I feel I'm in unknown territory.

 

[KittyKat]

I would say only beneficial effects for soft-water fish.

In my previous two houses, the tap water was pH 8 and hard, but the planted tanks were mostly between pH 5.5 and 6.5, with the water quite soft.

Do not be surprised, and I would not worry about it.

 

[GrayScale]

Co2 will lower the ph a bit. I noticed that too when I hooked mine up and I tested before and after. Mine was around 7.4 before and around 6.8ish after. That was also with plants in as well and they can reduce the ph some.

 

[RadaR]

I was just wondering if a PH level of 6.6 is something to be expected in a planted aquarium complete with c02 injection.

Yes, ofcourse. Typically CO2 injection obtaining at concentration of 30ppm will reduce your pH by 1. From observations for many years by many aquarists, the fish dont mind this drop of 1 at all, even if this drop of 1 is in a few hours. Fish are well adpated to changes in pH. Most of the time, the pH swing itself is not dangerous, rather tha cause of the swing. Bignose wrote a really good explanation on a thread ages ago, but I cant seem to find it.