cheap safe PH down?

[spiff]

Does anyone know for certain whether or not General Hydroponics PH down product is safe for fish?

I see that its phosphoric and citric acid with some monoammonium phosphate.
Most aquarium PH downs is pure sulfuric acid.

I'm trying to find a cheap alternative to aquarium PH down. Maybe some of this drain cleaner is pure enough. Liquid fire looks like its 100% sulfuric acid. So its a question of purity. I notice that the MSDS for the GH PH down mentions "food industry" safe purity of the phosphoric acid in it.

Any suggestions what you have been using for large volume would be helpful.

TIA

 

[swede]

what is the original KH/GH of the water and how low ph are you trying to attain?

 

[spiff]

what is the original KH/GH of the water and how low ph are you trying to attain?

Its about 140GH and 9.0PH from the tap. I'm going for 7.0 to 7.5.

 

[Darth Scohin]

One simple acrynym "RO"
And for the safty of your fish and potentially YOU it's Cheap and Safe
(I know $170 is not considered cheap but, Lemons with a side of Fish?)

 

[swede]

wow thats really high PH. How big is the tank? RO systems can be pricey and the filters don't last long. how big is your tank?

 

[spiff]

Thanks for the suggestions on the RO. I have an RO unit but its not really a solution since it yields water so slowly, though it helps. But as the question stated I was specifically looking for a cheap alternative to PH down chems.

I have consulted a resource of mine who's knowledge of chemicals is repected and was given the information that I need. The PH down for hydroponics is safe to use. Basically it seems that most hydroponic PH downs use phosphoric acid which in turn slightly helps provide plant nutrients and in aquariums could cause algae to grow more if you already had a problem with it. The monoammonium phosphate is a buffering agent which may or may not help or work against you depending on your water.

But the Ph down for aquariums usually uses sulfuric acid which can eventually cause a build up of sulfates which isn't good either. Normal water changes pretty much eliminates either of these concerns.

I have already been using the General Hydroponics PH down on my cold water tank since I have had it with no adverse effects. I was just looking for a little more confidence before using it on my tropical fish.

 

[JakeH]

Phosphoric acid & monoammonium phosphate will both contribute a hefty phosphate load into your aquarium, so at least get a phosphate test kit & keep an eye on it.

 

[brianp]

Does anyone know for certain whether or not General Hydroponics PH down product is safe for fish?

I see that its phosphoric and citric acid with some monoammonium phosphate.
Most aquarium PH downs is pure sulfuric acid.

I'm trying to find a cheap alternative to aquarium PH down. Maybe some of this drain cleaner is pure enough. Liquid fire looks like its 100% sulfuric acid. So its a question of purity. I notice that the MSDS for the GH PH down mentions "food industry" safe purity of the phosphoric acid in it.

Any suggestions what you have been using for large volume would be helpful.

TIA

Try vinegar. It is 4-5% acetic acid, which will dissociate to form [acetate + H+]. Acetate is completely compatible with biologic systems and the BB will consume it as a carbon source. Vinegar is also very cheap.

 

[spiff]

Phosphoric acid & monoammonium phosphate will both contribute a hefty phosphate load into your aquarium, so at least get a phosphate test kit & keep an eye on it.

Not a bad idea. I think I will.

 

[spiff]

Try vinegar. It is 4-5% acetic acid, which will dissociate to form [acetate + H+]. Acetate is completely compatible with biologic systems and the BB will consume it as a carbon source. Vinegar is also very cheap.

If there are no negative effects of using it, this might be the best idea yet. Have you tried it yourself? Are there any side effects that you know of?