Ph Levels

[scoobyandy]

what is the best way to get the PH level in a tank down, mine is currently 7.8 which is on the high scale. Can anyone give me some advice on how to get this down a bit so safe for fish.

 

[newtotropical]

what is the best way to get the PH level in a tank down, mine is currently 7.8 which is on the high scale. Can anyone give me some advice on how to get this down a bit so safe for fish.

Hi
I wouldnt try to lower it. Its far more important that its stable, and trying to lower it could do more harm than good!

 

[scoobyandy]

is it not harmfull to the fish though? as dont want to harm them.

 

[Tessla]

Most fish tolerate a fairly wide range in pH with a few exceptions. More important is a stable pH, and for that you'll need adequate buffering capacity. If your pH hasn't been fluctuating, don't worry about it. pH test kits will often recommend that you adjust your pH because they make a pH adjusting product, definitely avoid those things. They'll often cause the very pH swings you want to avoid, and buffers in hard water will often bring the pH right back up.

There are several ways to safely lower or raise your pH if you're dead set on doing it (7.8 isn't really all that high, I have a pH of 8 from the tap with no trouble keeping tropical communities...) RO water either remineralized or cut with tap water can get you your desired pH and is all but necessary for fish like discus if you've got hard water. Rain water can also be used as it has a much lower pH than most city water. If you're looking to lower your pH by just a little bit, bogwood added to the tank will release tannins to lower your pH, as will peat added to your filter.

 

[rdd1952]

Putting driftwood in the tank or adding peat to you filter will lower it naturally. Definitely don't try to do it with chemicals as that will put your pH in a constant up and down swing which is definitely not good for your fish.

You probably need to have the KH and GH of your water tested. If the buffering capacity is high (they most likely are), it will take quite a bit to lower the pH and even the driftwood or peat may not help.

 

[Miss Wiggle]

Putting driftwood in the tank or adding peat to you filter will lower it naturally.

only for a while, it becomes inert eventually.

as others have said don't try to change it, 7.8 is fine for most fish and it's more dangerous to try and change it

 

[scoobyandy]

Putting driftwood in the tank or adding peat to you filter will lower it naturally.

only for a while, it becomes inert eventually.

as others have said don't try to change it, 7.8 is fine for most fish and it's more dangerous to try and change it

Ok, well in this tank are just goldfish, so i just want to be double sure they are going to be ok. with the highish PH, my tropical tanks are fine and ph is around 7.6 and know this to be safe.

 

[rdd1952]

Goldfish are probably the hardiest fish you can get. They will easily adapt to your pH.

 

[bobross]

Just a question about the original topic question. if driftwood lowers the tank, what would petrified would do to a fish tank? I have several large large pieces of the stuff and would consider putting it in a tank if it made a difference.

 

[Tessla]

Petrified wood is rock, so if it passes the vinegar test it won't do anything to your water. If it reacts with vinegar it will raise your pH, but most I've run across works just fine in tanks. It does look beautiful under water, makes all of the colors come out. I used to have a large tank decorated with it as I kept large goldfish with a talent for aquascaping.

 

[scoobyandy]

Ok thanks guys, just a quicky as im here, what is best way of keeping the glass from going green in a tropical tank, as mine is always going green.

 

[Tessla]

As in green with algae? Reduce lighting time and avoid sunlight, add some fast growing live plants, keep fish that aren't as messy, get yourself an aquarium safe scrubber to clean off algae or any combination of the above.

Algae growth in aquaria is caused by excess nutrients in the water (mostly fish waste) and plenty of lighting for the most part, but it isn't actually harmful to your tank. In fact, the presence of algae helps to keep your water cleaner by using up excess nutrients.