P.h 6.2

[Fishguy1997]

I changed my water on my 55 gallon fish tank with African cichlids and I tested the water and the P.H. was 6.2 it is a stable P.H. and it has been like this for weeks so I'm wondering if this is bad or as Long as its stable is it good?

 

[garfy]

6.2 is pretty low.You should really look at about 8.I am assuming your talking about Malawi cichlids.Stable is good though and I wouldn't think they will suffer in your water.

 

[Convict2161]

I agree stability is more important but that is low. My Malawi tank is a steady 8.0. I do however use crushed coral in my HOB and use a buffer every now and again....

 

[Fishguy1997]

I've heard that baking soda can be used to raise ph could I do this over a couple of days and how much do I use

 

[jpchin]

why not look into south american cichlids? they like a low ph. i have all s.a. and my ph is at about 6-6.2. all my cichlids are doing great and there is a huge variety of fish available. google s.a. cichlids and you can see all the choices. they would be a perfect match for your ph and you wouldn't have to mess with additives. i do believe that africans like a ph of about 8. that would mean raising the ph with chemicals as i don't think you could get to that ph naturally. good luck.

 

[Fishguy1997]

Ive looked into them and I like the look of the Africans more they are smaller and more colorful

 

[mfdrookie516]

Chances are, if you buy the fish local to you, the LFS is on the same water you are (unless you're on a well or something), and the pH will be about the same. I just wouldn't mess with it. While they do come from waters with a higher pH, most are bred in farms where the pH is likely left untouched.