Removing pH buffering substrate

[jc102]

Hey guys,

I am wanting to replace my Oolite Aragonite Sand with something like EcoComplete in my 75 gallon aquarium. As of now, I only have the sand and some rocks in there, but I'm wanting to convert to a low-tech planted tank.

Since the Aragonite sand buffers pH (it sits at around 8.0ppm), I'm worried that if I remove it all, the pH will fall. How should I switch out the substrates without harming the fish due to a pH drop?

 

[ZxC]

Hey guys,

I am wanting to replace my Oolite Aragonite Sand with something like EcoComplete in my 75 gallon aquarium. As of now, I only have the sand and some rocks in there, but I'm wanting to convert to a low-tech planted tank.

Since the Aragonite sand buffers pH (it sits at around 8.0ppm), I'm worried that if I remove it all, the pH will fall. How should I switch out the substrates without harming the fish due to a pH drop?

You could do the swap and acclimate them to the new water, no different then buying them at a store with higher pH and acclimating them down to your tanks pH. What would the final pH be of the non-buffered water?