Raising Ph

[i3lade4life]

Hi there, I have a 3ft tank and I am wanting to house Cichlids in it. I have had it cycling for about a week but the PH seems really low(6.5). I have read that it needs to be 7.5+ for cichlids.
Can anyone tell me a safe and effective way to raise the PH

 

[Tolak]

Cycling tanks will have pH fluctuations, there is no need to be concerned at this point.

I'm assuming you are referring to old world cichlids from the Rift lakes. While they do generally prefer a higher pH, they will acclimate to a lower pH, the important thing is to have a stable, constant pH.

The safest & most effective way is to start with ro water, and reconstitute to the parameters required. Adjusting the pH of tap water is usually futile, as the hardness makes it rebound back to its original value.

 

[rdd1952]

To add to what Tolak has already said, the simplest way to raise the pH for cichlids is with the use of one of the cichlid substrates that buffer the pH to a higher level. And if you aren't thinking of the Rift lake cichlids but more along the South American line, your water would be fine for them.

 

[Colin_T]

sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) will raise the PH. But don't raise it too much too suddenly.
I wouldn't worry too much about the PH until you are ready to put fish in the tank. Then buffer it a few days before adding the fish.

 

[Spooky76]

Whats your Kh and Gh readings now ?

 

[i3lade4life]

Hi thanks for all of the replies, my Ph seems to have turned neutral, so thats a bonus. My KH is low but my GH is a little bit higher than it should be.
Any suggestions

 

[backtotropical]

Hi,

I'd recommend avoiding powder based buffers like Bicarb of Soda once the fish are in the tank. They can cause the pH to fluctuate and are more hassle than they are worth to be honest.

I would agree with RDD that the best way is to use a calcium leaching substrate eg. coral sand or coral gravel. This would be used in place of, or in conjunction with other substrate options, depending what you want. It would then constantly buffer your water and raise the pH without you having to worry about adding silly powders and solutions constantly. It also provides a much more stable environment in terms of pH, gH and kH which your fish will thank you for.

Using powders would be ok whilst fishless cycling, but once you get fish, i'd strongly advise against it. The best option is to put a substrate in place now which will buffer the pH and kH, and you won't have to worry about it again (almost).

Coral sand / gravel will eventually become exhausted of it's buffering capacity, but this will take several years. At this point, the substrate is simply replaced.

Hope this helps.

Cheers

BTT