Ph Too Low?

[Rick]

My PH is really low. It barely registers on the card. The tap water is around 7.5. But my tank water is below 6. What makes it so low and will this be a problem with common community fish? Thanks.

 

[WILDER]

I have a tap ph of 7.5 its fine.

 

[mark.w.jones]

My PH is really low. It barely registers on the card. The tap water is around 7.5. What makes it so low and will this be a problem with common community fish? Thanks.

7.5 is slightly alkaline which is common for UK tapwater. Most fish, even those whose natural habitat is more acidic, will happily tolerate more alkaline water. Fish will undoubtedly be most healthy, happy and in the best condition in water which best matches their natural habitat. It's worth remembering thou that the majority of UK fish are captive bred and have never really experienced 'natural' conditions.

 

[WILDER]

The only draw back is that you will not be able to breed certain fish in that ph.

 

[Rick]

I didn't clarify. My tank water is below 6. Far below the tap water.

 

[jayjay]

well the fish have probably acclimatised to it so it shouldn't be a problem for them.

but i'm not sure what could cause it without you listing everything in your tank. or i think it could be 'old tank sydrome' (not so sure about that).

 

[Rick]

Just got the fish today. Tank is new. I did a fishless cycle and it has been set up for a month. It finally cycled a few days ago. Your regular setup with some plastic plants, few pieces of driftwood. Running a magnum 350 and a penguin 350 biowheel filter. 55 gal.

 

[oneponygirl]

I thought I read recently that wood can change PH, maybe it's your driftwood?

 

[Rick]

Anyone know if this is harmful for a normal community tank?

 

[Qays]

Driftwood and Bogwood are not harmful for your tank.

I dont know if driftwood wil affect the ph, but i know bogwood does!

Bogwood acidifys the tank water slowly, i dont think its a problem.

Are you sure its not bogwood? Driftwood, floats, bogwood sinks.

 

[jayjay]

yeah if it's bogwood it has probably realeased tanins into the water which has lowered your pH and maybe turned the water colour brownish?

it's not harmful for things like tetra as it is natural for them but i don't think things like guppies will appreciate it... what fish have you got in the tank?

 

[Griz]

It really depends on the species of fish you have. Also, the stability of your pH is just as important as the number.

Have you measured your GH and KH?
What is the pH of your water, out of the tap?

 

[Tolak]

In a newly cycled tank you may experience some pH instability, until it matures further. Driftwood will drop the pH, how much depends on the hardness of your water, which helps to stabilize pH.

 

[reddannyh]

To keep your general community fish you're probably going to have to buffer your ph. However if you're planning on keeping plecs, discus and tetras you should be fine at that providing it doesn't drop any more.

 

[OohFeeshy]

Hey, don't complain, most people would love to have water like that.