Ph Rises

[Covert]

Hey, my problem is that out the tap, my water has a pH of about 7.6 which would be perfect for my fish. however, the tank water tests at pH 8.0-8.3! I understand water out of the tap has more CO2 in it, lowering pH, but should that cause such a large rise? I'm not really sure if theres anything in the tank that could cause the pH to rise.. possibly my gravel, how could i test this?

I will be leaving a cup of tapwater overnight to see what the pH is like after the CO2 disperses... If i added some gravel to a cup with the same amount of tap water and compare the pH results should that give me an answer?

 

[Aphotic Phoenix]

Water straight out of my tap reads 7.2ish and rises to 8.2 so it is possible. Minerals leeching out of substrate or natural decorations such as rock can also cause a rise in tank pH, although you may need to let them soak for longer than overnight to see a significant change

 

[Covert]

Well i decreased the surface agitation and added bogwood. The pH is now around 7.6-7.7

 

[rdd1952]

If it is rising after you put it in the tank, most likely you have something in the tank that is causing it. Check any rocks you have and do a fizz test with some vinegar. Put a few drops on the rock and if it fizzes, it will raise the pH. Your substrate could also be causing it as some substrates are made to buffer pH up.