New tank, high pH

The friendliest place on the web for anyone with an interest in aquariums or fish keeping!
If you have answers, please help by responding to the unanswered posts.

ManaTheHour

Aquarium Advice Newbie
Joined
May 11, 2021
Messages
5
Location
Florida
Hey all,

I just set up a planted tank and I'm having a bit of an issue with LOW (oops) pH.

10 gallon tank
6 L of UNS black extra fine controsoil
wood and dragon stones
Cascade 100 HOB with the stock sponge but original filter discarded in favor of polish pad and clay rings

My water comes out of the tap at about 7.8 but after a few days my tank water is down to about 6.0. I've only changed the water once so far because I thought I'd read the controsoil doesn't require the frequent initial water changes of many other soils. Is that maybe the whole problem, that I need to do more water changes? Should I add crushed coral somewhere or baking soda?

I really want to keep shrimp so I've got to get the pH up a bit somehow.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

MUysziE.jpg
 
Last edited:
Semi-related, I haven't added any bacteria but I've been thinking about it. Should I bother considering all that biofilm I've accumulated already or would it be kind of pointless?
 
Back
Top Bottom