PH Levels

[finfin2005]

I do a 1/3 tank water change every 2 weeks, and have done so for the past 2 years.
My problem has always been, that after the initial change, all parametres are fine, but PH level begins to drop within 6 hours, and left unchecked, would be below 6.0 by same time next day.
I have done many tests, and done much reasearch, but have never got a handle on it.
If after a few days of adding PH up, the PH level normalizes, and is fine untill I change the water again.
I always check for the presence of Amonia, which can cause the PH level to go down, but never fine any.
I read somewhere that there is an additive in the tap water supply, that stop the water from corroding the pipes, but once in contact with the air, goes can cause the levels to go down.
I have tried to contact the local water board, who ignore my questions.
Anyone have any Idea's.
or experiance the same problem?
I use Amquel+ and Novaqua, and bacteria starter when changing the water.
so, why does the PH drop?

 

[rdd1952]

I do a 1/3 tank water change every 2 weeks, and have done so for the past 2 years.
My problem has always been, that after the initial change, all parametres are fine, but PH level begins to drop within 6 hours, and left unchecked, would be below 6.0 by same time next day.
I have done many tests, and done much reasearch, but have never got a handle on it.
If after a few days of adding PH up, the PH level normalizes, and is fine untill I change the water again.
I always check for the presence of Amonia, which can cause the PH level to go down, but never fine any.
I read somewhere that there is an additive in the tap water supply, that stop the water from corroding the pipes, but once in contact with the air, goes can cause the levels to go down.
I have tried to contact the local water board, who ignore my questions.
Anyone have any Idea's.
or experiance the same problem?
I use Amquel+ and Novaqua, and bacteria starter when changing the water.
so, why does the PH drop?

[snapback]906663[/snapback]​

First off, I would get away from the pH adjusting chemicals as soon as possible. A stable pH, whether it be high or low, is better for fish than one that is constantly swinging. Have you checked the pH & KH of your tap water? Do you have anything in your tank that would cause the swings - CO2 injection for plants, peat in the filter, driftwood?

Also, the presence of ammonia will actually drive pH up and not down. Ammonia also actually becomes ammonium at pH of 6.0 or lower and is no longer toxic.

I have never heard anything about the water additive. I know they add chlorine and chloramine and there are probably other things too. That is why you have to use dechlorinators.

In general, using chemicals is not a good thing other than dechlorinators and maybe fertilizers. All the chemicals may even be the cause of the swings. It is much better to let the tank be natural. If you want to keep your tank pH stable at around 7.0, add some crushed coral (a small amount will go a long way) to the filter pack or simply hang some in a filter pack inside the tank. I do that to keep my tanks near 7.0 pH since my water has no buffering capacity. I have about 1 tsp in the filter on my 29 gallon and about 2 tsps in my 75 gallon (actually in a filter pack hanging inside the tank). The 75 gallon has been stable at about 7.0 since March and I haven't added any more crushed coral since the first time. As I said, a little bit is all you need.

 

[CFC]

You need to get test kits for KH (carbonate hardness) and GH (general hardness). I would suspect your water has a very low KH which allows the water to be acidified as a bi product of the nitrogen cycle. This can be easily rectified by the addition of bicarbonate of soda to the water at water changes but you need to know the KH level first so you know how much to add.

 

[finfin2005]

You need to get test kits for KH (carbonate hardness) and GH (general hardness). I would suspect your water has a very low KH which allows the water to be acidified as a bi product of the nitrogen cycle. This can be easily rectified by the addition of bicarbonate of soda to the water at water changes but you need to know the KH level first so you know how much to add.

[snapback]907042[/snapback]​

Thank you for your knowledge, I will put this too the test.
I really do appreciare it.