Ph at 5.5!!!

[ddipsydavid]

Hi, I am from UK.
Every tank i have set up has had low Ph, around 6 - 6.5.
This tank a 40gallon has ph around 5.5! I have three pieces of bogwood but these are well established.
Most of my fish look ok but 3mollies i bought have been getting thinner though they are eating a lot. Will this be to do with the low ph? What's.the best way of raising it?

 

[bruinsbro1997]

The best way to do this is to add crushed coral to the tank, only a little bit at a time though.

 

[jpchin]

when you add the coral you could use a media bag (small cloth bags you can get at fish store) to put the coral in. that way if you have to remove it or add or subtract you don't have to try to scrape it off the bottom of the tank. also remember rinse VERY well before you use.

 

[Homer8]

you could add limestone that will raise the ph and mollies do better in brackish water. i have never had luck with mollies.

 

[ddipsydavid]

Thanks guys, would the coral or limestone be ok in my external filter or does it have to go in the tank?

 

[jetajockey]

its fine in the filter if you have room for it. When you do maintenance be sure to rinse it and mix it up a bit to knock off the biofilm.