so about 4 days ago when i checked my ph it was around 8.2, and yesterday i went out and got one of those live monitors, and it was saying my ph was really low, so i checked it with my reg kit and its around 7!!!! so i find myself with a problem lol. What could lower it like that so quickly??? maybe a certain rock or live plants???
Ahh ph problem
- Thread starter mahemaheman85
- Start date
Depends what your substrate is, live plants, driftwood, will lower it. There is stuff you can do to raise it and keep it higher. I use reef salt in all my african tanks to keep it high.
Crushed coral did the trick for me. I just added a fair amount in my canister filter. It raised the ph gradually without shocking the fish. Water change usually changes the ph, but also the little things contribute to changing ph like when you put your hands in the tank. The impact differs, but it really helps to have a buffer that keeps the ph in acceptable levels. Also, as I have once read "Stable ph is better than ideal ph"
Have you tested your tap water? Test the water then let that same water sit out for a few days then test it again. Some place change the local water ph. This will then begin to lower over time. It is not unheard of this happening. SO... test this then you will know. Aging water is a good idea as well...
mike dunagan;2062224; said:
ya my taps at 7.4, 7.6, im thinking its the plants and the fact that the tank isnt fully cycled, but ill definitely try that thanks.
how are your raising it up? When you raise the ph often that is temp fix if you are using chem... I would put crush coral in the sump or canister...
ya i plan too put i havent got a canister pump yet, but i have 20lbs crushed coral mixed in with white sand, and i use this stuff called proper ph 8.2
Simply dont trust the chem adjustment... stable is best... you know what I mean... Not saying I am right, but gut feeling...
mike dunagan;2062393; said:
ya i dont trust them either, thats why i went out and got one of those live ph kits