adding coral to my fish tank

[Carlene]

I posted my ? in general,but I am not getting any responses,maybe I posted in the wrong place. I am now on 2tbs of crushed coral in my mesh bag to get the ph level up. This morning it measured 6.0 and would like to raise it to 6.6 slowly. I am wondering how long it takes to see a raise ph? Should I do water changes during the process or not? My peacock gudgeons are not taking this so well. I maintained a 6.6 for 5 months until I added a piece of bogwood that I've already taken out a week ago and ever since my ph has been a low 6.0 or lower. I would also like to know how long before I test after adding the coral? Do I have enough in the bag?? I would like to raise it to at least a 6.2 before the night is out.

 

[misplacedsooner]

i use crushed coral to raise my ph also. i steal my wifes pantyhose and cut the toe off and add crushed coral, more than you did for sure and drop it into my filter. i believe it will only raise it so much but not sure how much. i had some larger peices of coral i have just dropped it the tank but it tends to be sharpe. texas holey rock or just plain limestone will boost your ph also
mike

 

[Mattyou]

Crushed coral is all I run in my African tank. Not sure what it would take for you to get the reading your after. You could just buy some PH up at the lfs and once you get it where you want it mess with the amount of crushed coral it takes to keep it there after a water change your going to need to PH up your tank again so keep this in mind.

 

[JoelB]

I would also like to know how long before I test after adding the coral?

It will take effect over a period of weeks.

Do I have enough in the bag??

How big is your tank?

I would like to raise it to at least a 6.2 before the night is out.

How are your other readings (ammonia nitrites)? You should not need to (or want to) rush the pH change. It is better to be a little off than fix it quickly.