What pH does everyone keep there front tanks at? I think i'm gunna aim for 8.5? Or more an 8-9 range. Also, how does everyone maintain their tank pH? Chemicals or Natural methods?
Joshooo
Joshooo
Frontosa pH?
- Thread starter Joshooo
- Start date
IN THE 8.5-9 RANGE,MY CITIES WATER IS 8.3 OUTA THE TAP AND I USE A SPECIAL SUBSTRATE CANT RECALL FROM WHO,DR.FOSTER&SMITH CARRYS IT, THAT HOLDS IT IN THAT RANGE. IF YOU WATER IS LOWER IN THE PH RANGES THEN YOU WILL NEED A BUFFER,SEACHEM MAKES ONE SPECIFICLY FOR TANGANYIKAN TANKS
Joshooo;3381341; said:
I advise that you do not mess with the PH. Consistency in water conditions is far more important that having it match nature. All of my fish are at the same PH, which is tap. I do not even measure. Adjusting the PH could cause massive swings which are harmful and sometimes fatal to fish. Keep in mind, the PH readings increase at an exponential rate.
Pharaoh;3381522; said:
These massive swings are usually caused when a hobbyist attempts to lower the PH in a tank with a high carbonate hardness. I have maintained my PH in my Malawi tank at 8.2 for a year now with no problems to date. It is just necessary to have your buffer premixed into your refill water before you do a water change. I do agree that if consistency in the water conditions is not provided then the fish will suffer. But I also think my fish are healthier since I started to buffer my PH higher. I use pure baking soda for buffer but I don't think it could be used to buffer a Tanganykin tanks PH high enough.
The real key to your Ph question starts with the Kh of the water. Ideally it should be in the range of 150-200 ppm, especially for fish from Lake Tanganyika. There are lots of methods to buffering the water in the tank.
Sea Chem Marine buffer is an excellent product for raising the Kh of the water but you can also use natural methods such as crushed coral, aragonite, sea shells and limestone.
Keeping the Kh in the above range will raise and stablize the Ph levels in the tank.
Good luck
Sea Chem Marine buffer is an excellent product for raising the Kh of the water but you can also use natural methods such as crushed coral, aragonite, sea shells and limestone.
Keeping the Kh in the above range will raise and stablize the Ph levels in the tank.
Good luck