Ph Problems

[scott2907]

Hi - I'm new to the forum and been fish keeping in a small tank for a year.
I don't like to ask for help on the off but I'm confused about a PH issue and wondered if you'd be so kind to offer advice?

I'm looking to upgrade to a larger tank ASAP but right now I've just got a few tetras and minnows in a small tank.
They are doing ok and there doesn't seem to be any problems with them.

My ph is VERY VERY low - from the test strip, about 4-5. I talked to the LFS about this and he is on the same water supply as me. He said that his tap water is the same - about 4. He advised using Proper PH 7 and using it every time I do a water change, but I've heard differing advice on this. From those that say you need to adjust your PH to those that say as long as it is stable and the fish are happy leave it alone.
That said, the water is extremely acidic so I thought it best to try to alter it using some Proper PH I bought.
The problem is, I don't want to just chuck it in my tank and swing the PH from 4 to 7 and shock the fish to death.
Is there a better way? I've added it to my tap water for a couple of changes and tested the tap water to be 7. When I add it to the tank I leave it for a day and test the aquarium and its 4.
Help!
Should I just keep adding it to the water changes and if so at what ratio? That of the water change or that of the tank?
Or does API Proper PH bring the PH up slowly enough to put the full dose in the tank as is?
Thanks in advance
Scott

 

[KittyKat]

Tap water at pH 4? Blimey!

No, do not use that sort of buffer, it will only cause crashes in pH, which can kill the fish. Also, test strips are inaccurate, can you get a liquid kit which has a wide range accuracy or do you know anyone who works in a lab or someone at a school which has some universal indicator? That won't be particularly accurate either, but you'll get a better result from it.

Secondly, test tap water after it's sat in a clean and rinsed glass for 24 hours.. what's the result then? Can you get a KH and GH test and find those out? Again, liquid tests are way more accurate normally.

Finally, best option to buffer up pH in your tank would be to add some rock which will buffer the pH (reef bones, for example, is one of the better ones I can think of) and/or filter through crushed coral (available from the LFS). This will be considerably cheaper and your water will be more stable that way.

..either that, or start keeping discus, rams and tetras instead.

 

[BigbruiserAl]

First and foremost get rid of those strips before you buy anything. Get a liquid based test kit, IMO salifert kits are test when you have this and you can make a proper call

 

[fluttermoth]

I'm not sure it's even possible for the pH to crash any further is it? I'd agree with KittyKat about the crushed coral though; that would be the best way. You might weant to do more frequent, smaller water changes to hel pit stabilise a bit. Luckily it's easier to harden water (and raise pH) than it is to soften it. Just go slowly.

 

[scott2907]

yes, I'd be inclined to think the test strip was wrong except for the fact that my LFS said that his was the same.
My Ammonia is unreadable and Nitrates are very low, my GH comes up about the 6 degree mark, KH about 3, Chlorine zero.
I'll get a sample to the LFS for a liquid test to confirm, I'm afraid I can't afford a liquid kit just yet.
If I add rock, what type would you recommend? Would this not cause a dip everytime I changed the water again?
Thanks for your expertise.
Scott

 

[KittyKat]

Reef bones.

Yes, there will be a drop every time you water change, but it should not be by much, if you make your water changes small and regular.

 

[fluttermoth]

Limestone would do too, as would a few oyster shells in your filter.