pH dropping very rapidly :/

[chrono1081]

Hi guys,

I've been spamming the forum with my tank cycle but today I tested the water and my pH plummeted and I have no idea why. I was away yesterday and couldn't test the tank, but today I tested it and the pH in my quarantine tank dropped significantly, and the pH in my main tank is starting to drop too and I'm not sure why :/ It went from 6.8 to 6.0 in two days in one tank and 6.8 to 6.6 in another tank in two days.

(Also I am currently dosing with ammonia so the low ammonia will be back up. The ammonia is dropping very rapidly and I have to dose almost daily)

Any recommendations to bring the pH back up? I have pH Up but I know most people don't recommend using it.

Also my water, straight from tap and after degassing is pH of 6.8

EDIT: Also I tested the pH several times today, its definitely correct and not a fluke :/

 

[SolvingNormal]

If I understand your post, you're cycling. This can use up your buffers, which help guard against pH changes. Just do a partial water change to restore them. Don't use chemicals.

 

[chrono1081]

Thanks so much!

 

[jlk]

Yep, water changes are in order to re-establish buffers that are being used up in the nitrification process. It doesnt take much for a ph change with your water because the ph is already on the low side to begin with. If this becomes a constant occurence, it will need to be addressed. Have you ever had your Kh & Gh checked? Most lfs use strips but getting them checked would atleast give you a ballpark idea of the buffer capacity of your tap water.