how do I raise pH safely for my cichlids

[iceywater101]

I bought kent cichlid buffer, but I am thinking about returning it. I want to get my pH up to 8.2 as naturally as possible. My plan as of now is to use crushed coral to raise it a bit and use the cichlid buffer to raise it the rest of the way. Does anyone have a better idea or advice to make this easier thanks.

 

[JDogg]

I bought kent cichlid buffer, but I am thinking about returning it. I want to get my pH up to 8.2 as naturally as possible. My plan as of now is to use crushed coral to raise it a bit and use the cichlid buffer to raise it the rest of the way. Does anyone have a better idea or advice to make this easier thanks.

Crushed coral would work, also you could add a couple of pieces of limestone or dolomite...

 

[DeFeKt]

JDogg said it all.
Maybe try a site search on "cichlid buffers"
I effectivly use limestone rocks and crushed coral amongst white sand substrate which buffers my water perfectly to 8.2.
Wouldn't bother with the additive. There was a post in the last few days about this exact subject.
What cichlids do you have?

Matthew

 

[JDogg]

You could also pay me to mail you my tap water with is already 8.0 due to the limestone bed rock...

 

[iceywater101]

Thanks for everyones help. I ll give the limestone a try, I knew about the crushed coral but I have never heard of the limestone. Where would be a good place to get limestone that is safe for the fish?

 

[Fishyfanatic]

I'd gladly send you my water, natural pH of 8.2 and hard as rock. Just ship me yours in return.

Crushed coral will raise the pH to a level of 7.8. I am unsure about the level for limestone but I believe it will raise it to the lower 8s. You can buy it at the lfs (expensive!) or at a garden store. Just make sure it is in fact limestone. Boil it before putting it in the tank.

 

[shawmutt]

I start with ro water, and use 1 tsp of Instant Ocean, 1 tsp of Epsom salts, and 1 tsp of "Proper pH 8.2" per 5 gallons of water. I started with the recipe from here, and changed some of the ingredients over time.