Any ideas of what I can do for my waters pH?

[chrono1081]

Hi guys,

I'm having water consistency issues. Sometimes my pH, straight from tap after gassing of is 6.8, sometimes its 6.0. Regardless of what it is when I put it in my tank within a day or two its down to 6.0.

Anyone know of how I can regulate it? Some people say a bag of crushed coral in with the filter but will that work? How much should I put in?

I have a small, 8 gallon tank.

 

[jlk]

It would be worthwhile to go get your Kh & Gh checked at the lfs. I know they use strips but it will atleast give you ballpark numbers. I suspect your Kh is probably zero or very close to it which why your having ph stablility issues. Your ph may actually be below 6 but 6 is the limit for the API test- anything lower will read the same. Getting a clearer idea of your numbers will def help especially because you will encounter the same issues with your water in your new tank.

Crushed coral or argonite in a small mesh bag or piece of panythose in your filter should help but it will take a bit of trial & error to get the amount right. Start with a water change & around a tablespoon of the stuff. Wait 24hrs & check your ph & see how it looks. Your not aiming for a huge jump, just stability in your taps range (6.5-6.8). You may need to remove a bit or add a bit more depending on how your ph looks after 24hrs. If it jumps drasticallly in 24hrs, do a water change & remove some. If it doesnt change or drops, add a bit more & recheck again in 24hrs. Once it stabilizes, you will need to keep an eye on your ph & check the amount in your filter weekly (it will dissolve over time). Hope this helps!

 

[chrono1081]

Thanks for the tips.

Unfortunately there are no local fish stores or good pet stores within hours of where I live so I'll find a kit online that can give me those readings.

 

[Fishy Aston]

Have you got any rocks or driftwood in that tank?

Beacuse that changes the PH

 

[chrono1081]

Nope no drift wood. I only have a few plants.

 

[Fishy Aston]

Ok well that isnt changing the PH then.

Have you tested your tap?

 

[chrono1081]

Yep, it fluctuates unfortunately. Last week the tap after gassing was 6.0 or below, two days ago I poured more water, tested it today and after gassing its 6.8 :/

 

[Fishy Aston]

The problem is at the water company!

Not your fault.

I am not sure what to advise now really.

Sorry at least you know its not your fault its the water you are getting supplied with.