Question On Using Crushed Coral To Raise Ph

[hjkaga]

I was told to get some crushed coral and add some to my tanks because the pH of the water I use is way to low. The water's pH is about 6.2 and I need one tank to be 7.0 and the other about 7.4 - 7.6. I added some coral to each tank yesterday. How long do I have to wait to find out where the pH is going to be raised to by the amount I put in?

 

[Matty P]

Keep testing your water to keep an eye on your pH. Or you could use a buffer.

 

[Aphotic Phoenix]

Is the pH of your tap water that low or are the tanks dropping in pH?

Crushed coral will slowly release calcium carbonate into the water, raising the hardness and the pH, but do keep in mind that every time you do a water change you will be removing some of those minerals...i.e. be cautious about doing large (over 50%) water changes.

There are commercial buffering products (NOT talking about pH products) that increase the actual hardness of the water. These are usually designed to re-mineralize RO/DI water, or adjust softer water for African cichlids so you could look into those as well.

 

[hjkaga]

the tap water's pH is normally that low. I only do 10-20 percent water changes, so I won't be taking too much of the minerals out.

how long does it take for the crushed coral to take affect? I tested my water earlier, and it looks as though i may have to take some of the coral out of one of the tanks cause the pH was up a little too much. but i had put pH up in my tanks the other day, so I dont know if that has anything to do with it.