cheapest way to lower pH

[rnocera]

I'm wondering what the most economical way to lower pH is in an aquarium. I have some old liquid that lowers it, and it works perfectly fine for me (at least in combination with driftwood & tons of tannins in my water), but I don't know what to replace it with when I run out.

For the record- my pH is close to 8, and I like to bring it down below 7 since more and more of my fish are South American cichlids, and I keep finding more and more South American fish I like. Also, my water is super soft (we have a softener), so I don't really worry about making it any softer. Just a lower pH.

Oh, also, even though lots of fish like it, I'm looking to keep my water tannin-free. The smaller tanks set up right now I don't mind it, but in my 60 and 90, I want crystal clear water, so no adding peat or almond leaves.

Thanks!

 

[Lupin]

Your pH is hardly an issue. Why do you feel it necessary to lower the pH?

 

[Sab_Fan]

I've had good results with Seachem products; I use Acid Buffer to lower ph, Alkaline Buffer to raise it . . .

they also make something called Neutral Regulator which specifically targets a 7.0 ph; only thing is it's not recommended if you keep planted tanks . . .

 

[brianp]

If I needed to lower my pH, I would give vinegar a shot. Vinegar is 4-5% acetic acid. It will dissociate to form acetate + H+ and lower the pH. Biologic systems are full of acetate so vinegar should be fully compatible with all fish and bacteria in your tank. Best of all...it's really cheap.

 

[TwistedPenguin]

Unless you're keeping something like wild-caught Discus you don't need to ever mess with your pH. Fish need stable pH, they don't care as long as it's stable. I have lots of SA fish including Discus and Angels and my water is every bit as hard as yours, probably harder.

 

[LBathory]

Unless you're keeping something like wild-caught Discus you don't need to ever mess with your pH. Fish need stable pH, they don't care as long as it's stable. I have lots of SA fish including Discus and Angels and my water is every bit as hard as yours, probably harder.

agreed. My PH is terribly high, (jersey water sucks) but consistent, and I haven't noticed it affecting any of my tanks.

 

[Deaths Sting]

peat moss and/or driftwood are the best ways IMO to lower ph.

 

[XB aro]

ph is kinda overrated, im making my 6.6 ph to my tap which is 7.8, my discus dont even seem to notice, but to answer ur question use driftwood, peat moss, discus buffer, or ph down liquid

 

[rnocera]

I've never really messed with it before, and just started adding a little pH down a while back. I lost a couple bristlenoses and a pike cichlid, and someone said the pH could make the difference.

I agree that in general pH is overrated, but I figured with acclimating wild-caught SA cichlids (specifically getting in a group of pikes this week), it might not hurt to keep it a bit closer to what they like in the wild. Guess I'll just say forget it and let it be what it is.

Also, for the record- when I said "close to 8" I'm saying my pH is generally about 7.9. We're on a well, and sometimes it changes slightly with precipitation. I figured it couldn't hurt to look at simply because it's a BIG difference from the 6 some SA species like.

 

[cichlaguapote]

While PH for the most part doesn't really matter. With some fish it does affect their looks. But I wouldn't lower it unless you can consistantly do so with something other than chemicals.