Substrates

[techen]

Is it possible or a Substrate to alter my PH behond the 6 mark. My PH is around 6.2 - 6.5 and the stuff I wish to use says it would drop my PH down to 6.5 but already there. I asked Aqua Essentials and they said it would for abit then reset at 6.8? Would this be bad for a lot of things if my PH was to dip below 6 and what are the chances of it rising back up too 6.8

 

[zain611]

I think i heard that gravel can i think lower or rise your PH and if you have bogwood then that can effect PH

 

[techen]

I think i heard that gravel can i think lower or rise your PH and if you have bogwood then that can effect PH

I knew this, It's why my PH is so low to start with. But I want to add a plant base but these alter PH too and I can't risk lowering PH anymore.

 

[ColR1948]

Some substrates for Cichlids alter the PH.

 

[techen]

But does anyone know the risks of dropping belw a PH of 6? Because it may happen with my new plant subsrate, as far as I can see it effects the bacteria on the filter.

 

[Yanks15]

I use Aragonite in my Mbuna tank to keep the pH high. Others have used crushed coral in their filter to help buffer the pH. You could try that. Are you cycling or are you concerned for the tank inhabitants in general? I'm not a "plant" guy so not sure if keeping the pH at a specific level is important for individual plants.


Thanks,
Steve

 

[techen]

I use Aragonite in my Mbuna tank to keep the pH high. Others have used crushed coral in their filter to help buffer the pH. You could try that. Are you cycling or are you concerned for the tank inhabitants in general? I'm not a "plant" guy so not sure if keeping the pH at a specific level is important for individual plants.


Thanks,
Steve

Tank is cycled but because I live in scotland we have unstable soft water, It's so soft that it can crash sometimes It would be bad for fish to suddenly have a drop to around 5PH

 

[Yanks15]

I'm surprised your tank cycled with the pH being so low. Did you have problems? I would use the Aragonite where you can and make an interesting scape with the Aragonite in the open spaces where there aren't any plants.


Thanks,
Steve

 

[RobberyinCSharp]

I've heard adding peat to the filter will reduce the pH slowly and safely, as will adding wood.