Cichlid setup needing advice!

[Dobbin]

Hi I currently have set up a 56 gallon cichlid tank and need advice as had a little driftwood in there with coral sand and slate. I checked my ph and it was 7.2 so I took it out and left for one day then checked water again with out it and it is still the same so need advice why my ph is low?

 

[toddnbecka]

What sort of water chemistry do you want? African cichlids from Malawi? To raise the pH to around 8.2-8.4 use baking soda (doesn't matter how much, it won't raise the pH any higher) and epsom salt for general hardness.

 

[Dobbin]

I want it up to like 8.2 . I've got this aquadur stuff but it makes water dusty.. Also coral sand is meant to make ph higher? Maybe try some ocean rock,?

 

[melosu58]

Moved to General discussion FW. More people will see your question there.

 

[toddnbecka]

Coral in any form (chunks, crushed, etc.) will only raise/buffer the pH to 7.6 max. Aragonite will raise it higher, but baking soda is cheaper and easy.

 

[Dobbin]

I have coral sand and ocean rock so that will only go ip to 7,6?g

 

[carey]

I added a huge Holey rock to my setup, supposed to help I heard. My PH is right at 8.2

 

[Dobbin]

I'm from England and can't find holy rock just alot of ocean rock hmm I'll see what happens in few days

 

[carey]

I live in Florida and we have NO rock. I had to order the texas holey rock from ebay. The lfs dont ever have a nice selection.