Stabilizing pH

[bettacove]

I use R/O water mixed with tap water for my tanks, this gets the pH to 6.8 and a GH of 3. But after about a day its starts to rise and is at 7.2 by the 2nd day after the change. I change my water everyother day so its usually only at 7.0 when i change, but still! Is there anything I can do to stabilize it at the lower temp? If I don't do water changes then by the end of the week its up to 7.8 and possible higher. (i did a test with it, but i took the fishies out)

thanks
ashley

 

[SerLunchbox]

your GH is too low to have a stable pH. it is better to have a stable pH then one that varies so much. If you want a lower pH add LOTS and i mean LOTS of driftwood. Driftwood helps with keepig pH lower

 

[bettacove]

How can I raise the GH without changing the pH? How hight does it have to be to be stable?

I don't have the tank space for driftwood...

ashley

 

[SerLunchbox]

http://www.aquariumadvice.com/viewtopic.php?t=33785&

that states that calcium carbonate and epsom salts will raise your GH and KH.

read that post for ideas

 

[bettacove]

kk thanks!

ashley

 

[BASSNMAN]

You didn't mention your tank size, but I have had good luck adding 1 teaspoon of baking soda to my 50 gal. weekly. It raises the KH slightly without raising the GH. but stabilizes the ph.

 

[bettacove]

Thats cus i have several tanks ranging from 1liter to 20gals.

Does the baking soda increase the ph at all?

ashley