pH Question

[CMFC47]

Anyone know why my pH would suddenly drop to 6.6 (kind of acidic)? What should I do about it?

 

[reg2k2]

Suddenly drop from what? What does ur tap measure?

 

[CMFC47]

Suddenly drop from what? What does ur tap measure?

Drop from proper pH....

 

[Alien Anna]

The pH coming out of the tap is often artificially higher and drops as it settles. I'm not sure why, but it may be that something is precipitating out, or maybe some kinds of gases dispersing. Anyway, my water comes out of the tap at pH 9.0 and generally settles to pH 8 within a couple of days. In my matured tanks the mulm etc. seems to reduce the pH further to pH 7.5 and the CO2 and bogwood soon drop it down further to pH 6.8, which is perfect for my fish

For most tropical fish, a pH between pH 6 and pH 7 is absolutely ideal.

 

[guppymonkey]

The pH of most tanks is lower than that of the local tap water. Unless you add buffers to keep the pH the same as it was originally it will almost always drop at least a little bit. As long as it isn't too drastic a drop it usually isn't a problem.

 

[CMFC47]

For most tropical fish, a pH between pH 6 and pH 7 is absolutely ideal.

So I don't need to panic if my water is not perfect proper pH then? It was right about 7.0 then 2 days ago it dropped to 6.6. I guess that's not considered drastic huh?

Oh by the way my little tetra came out of hiding again today and joinned his buddies. I don't get it, he's never done this before and now for 2 days he has been hiding all morning & then re joins the group sometime in the afternoon. Is he toying with me for fun??

 

[Alien Anna]

For most tropical fish, a pH between pH 6 and pH 7 is absolutely ideal.

So I don't need to panic if my water is not perfect proper pH then? It was right about 7.0 then 2 days ago it dropped to 6.6. I guess that's not considered drastic huh?

Actually, for my fish (tetras, gouramis and chain loaches) I'd consider pH 6.6 to be perfect but I can't get it that low due to my high KH (temporary water hardness).

You tetra sounds like its the subordinate one of the school and maybe its not handling the nitrite very well, but water changes and the gradual improvement in the tank seem to be perking it up.

 

[reg2k2]

Actually, when altering pH on purpose, it's advised not to change it more than .2 per day....but if it stabilizes at that level, I guess you're ok. If it continues to drop...you may have another problem. My tap measures over 8.0, but would easily drop to 6.0 if left to be...

 

[Alien Anna]

Actually, when altering pH on purpose, it's advised not to change it more than .2 per day....but if it stabilizes at that level, I guess you're ok. If it continues to drop...you may have another problem. My tap measures over 8.0, but would easily drop to 6.0 if left to be...

I suspect once his tank is stabilised, a 10-20% weekly water change won't significantly alter his pH. I know it doesn't with mine, even though my tank is at pH 6.8 and the water I'm adding is at pH 9, it immediately settles to pH 6.8 - 7.0 and there are no great pH swings.