So Confused About Lowering Ph

[spazzinout53]

OK well my ph in my tanks like 7.8 , and i want to get it to 7.0, its a 5 gallon tank
so one of my lfs said to buy PH Regulator, and the ph should lower in about a week

well its been two weeks, ive followed directions, it hasnt changed.
SOOO i went to my basic petco just to get the water tested, because i didnt know if it was just something wrong with my tester

The guy said PH Regulator just keeps ph stable and its basicly just baking soda and i could just use bakin soda insted
He recomended that i get Ph Down, and then use baking soda to keep it at 7.0
Or he said i could buy some aquarium peat moss , which would lower the ph

What should i do? Should i trust the petco guy, or will the Ph Regulator eventually work!
i need advise..
thanks

 

[Bignose]

I think that the first question really is, why are you trying to change the pH? What do you think changing the water from 7.8 to 7.0 is going to do?

The main reason I ask, is because, with the exception of a scant few cases, there isn't usually much of a reason to fiddle with the water parameters.

So, what fish are you trying to keep? Are you specifically trying to breed them?

If you answer these questions, We can get a better idea of what you want to do, and then we can advise you on whether it is necessary to change the pH or not. Thanks.

 

[DiscusKeeper403]

Bignose is correct, there is no need.


Plus, all those chemicals are crap, and can be harsh on the fish. Not to mention, if something goes wrong, and you don't measure correctly, our don't do something right, it could swing the Ph, and kill your fish.


No need to do it, try not to use more chemicals then needed.

 

[BigC]

Before messing about with water chemistry, be aware what you are actually doing. Your water will have a natural buffering capacity and will need to be constantly monitored and chemical adjustments made constantly. (not good) Just because it states in a book that a certain fish from water with a pH of 6.5 that doesent mean that it cannot be accustomed/aclimatised to live in water with a pH of 7.8. Changing pH and hardness values quickly will stress and ultimatley kill your fish.
It's only when it comes to breeding certain species that water chemistry needs to be addressed in more detail. 7.8 is actually not bad compared to some municipal water authorities.
If you are really concerned about water quality then I would personally opt for a CO2 system (for lowering the pH) or a cheap RO system which itself needs to be tinkered to acheve your ultimate goal.
Personally echoing the above replies and leave alone.
Incidentally what fish are you keeping or intending to keep/
Regards
BigC
Read below, it may enlighten you somewhat.
http/faq.thekrib.com/begin-chem.html

 

[Amunet]

*points to comments above*
What everyone else said....

There really is no need to mess with your pH.... specially to lower it such a small amount.

The only time I'd tell someone to mess with their pH is if it was too low and hampering/slowing/stalling the cycling process.