Tank Ph As Well As Kh

[Bunchbro84]

Hello, I'm back, but with a new question. I just did a substrate change from some pH raising gravel to some caribsea flora max, it is inert as said on the bag and it looks nice in my aquarium. Now to the real trouble, how do I lower my pH and keep the buffer at around a 7.4, the pH of my tap water when it comes straight out of the faucet. The ph is currently an 8.2 to 8.4, and I am using an API liquid test kit. I would love to know how to do this by lowering alkalinity so that it either gradually lowers to that level and keeps it around there. I have looked at API tap water purifier kits but they are very expensive to buy cartridges for for someone who gets a 6 $ allowance a week. I am trying to get a hold of an API KH kit at the moment, and I will use my knowledge from there. Any help is very welcome.

 

[TwoTankAmin]

Go here and read http/fins.actwin.com/mirror/begin-chem.html

 

[Bunchbro84]

I now understand the KH buffer, but what do I do to lower the effect buffer? I have looked at the API pH down and the 7.0, but it says it unsafe for plants, and I have a couple of them I really like.

 

[TwoTankAmin]

You only put one foot into the water so far. Look into SeaChem http/www.seachem.com/Products/product_pages/AcidBuffer.html
 
But lets get the other foot wet. Most fish that want a lower pH also want softer water. Buffers add to the conductivity/TDS of water (a far better measure than GH or KH). If your water is higher pH to start, then buffering will not likely be sufficient. You will also need to soften then water and that brings you to ro water to help with both things as buffering acts to increase conductivity/TDS.
 
Altering one's parameters is not so simple as we would like it to be. I use ro/di water, muriatic acid and my tap to achieve the desired results. I also use other things that support it but are not the prime movers.

 

[Bunchbro84]

thanks, how much is the price range of this stuff because as I said, I make 6 bucks a week. I also would probably have to get this stuff online unless sold in petsmart or petco. It seems as if it would help my situation but out of anything, Ultimately  the decisions I can make are based on money.

 

[TwoTankAmin]

You need more money   The smallest containers of each are 600 gram and $9 each plus shipping (on sale). You would need about a 2.4 - 1 ratio of alkaline to acid. So you need more like 600 grams of acid and 1.2 kilo of the alkaline.
 
Try using the pre-treated peat method. Get it at a garden center. It must be plain peat without any mold inhibitors etc. But it will stain the water. Some folks boil it down to make and extract and then add that. A sort of diy concentrated peat juice. It may be messy though.

 

[Bunchbro84]

I will try this product with a little help from mis padres, and see how it goes