Increasing buffer, decreasing pH fluctuations

[CHOMPERS]

I am looking into increasing the buffer of my water to decreasing pH fluctuations, or at least make my system less vulnerable to being thrown off balance.
Will calcium carbonate do thetrick and would crushed shells work?

Or am I way off??

SF

Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda) is used in swimming pools to increase the Alkalinity, which is a pH buffer. I was quite leary to post this because I do not know how it would affect aquarium inhabitants. Then it hit me that Baking Soda is food grade... The only problem is it must not be added directly to the tank. It will increase the pH very quickly and may be detrimental to the fish. It can be mixed in a bucket, adjust the pH, then drip it into your sump or tank.

 

[scissorfight]

I have used baking soda, and it works well, but it was a pain after water changes, all the time regulating the pH. I think my pH was never as fluctuating as when I tried to use baking soda. So therefore I am looking for something that works longterm, like crushed coral, shells aso.

The question now is do I need to do it?

 

[DeLgAdO]

I have used baking soda, and it works well, but it was a pain after water changes, all the time regulating the pH. I think my pH was never as fluctuating as when I tried to use baking soda. So therefore I am looking for something that works longterm, like crushed coral, shells aso.

The question now is do I need to do it?

well what are you keeping??

whats the ph comnig out of the tap?

 

[Potts050]

Thanks Potts050!

Helpful, but I am stupid so I am not sure if I totally grasp all that!

I still wonder with these readings:

GH 3
KH 0
pH 6,4

Should I leave the system as it is, or add some buffering matrial?

If your pH is as low as 6.4 and wish to keep it that way you should probably try some humic acids or tanins. Thes are weak acids that will keep your pH low and quite stable as long as you dont introduce any limestone or other calcarius rock/substrate into your tank. These acids are available in peats and dried oak leaves which can be added to a basket in a cannister filter or HOB.
If you want to keep the water harder and at a higher pH I would recommend crushed coral either as a substrate or in a masket inside your cannister or HOB.
What kind of fish are you keeping?

 

[scissorfight]

Is there any way of not rising the pH (much) but increasing the buffer?

 

[Potts050]

Where do you want to keep your pH
What size tank?
What kind of rocks and gravel do you have?

 

[fishmaven]

Is there any way of not rising the pH (much) but increasing the buffer?

It sounds like this is what you want to do.

If so, you want to address your alkalinity NOT your pH. Your pH is the instant value of your tank. Your alkalinity is the RESISTANCE to the changing value of your pH.

Check out some SW supplies, for example Kent Marine's Calcium Buffer bottles A & B. A is calcium, B is the buffer. Now you just need to determine which is the best for you. If you've got a local guru, someone familiar with products available in your area, ask them about it.

Here in the states I'd probably use a Kent product. If there's a manufcturer that you prefer above others see if they make such a product.

 

[Potts050]

Is there any way of not rising the pH (much) but increasing the buffer?

peat, oak leaves, or a weak english breakfast tea. Dont use carbon as it will remove weak organic acids.

 

[Potts050]

Is there any way of not rising the pH (much) but increasing the buffer?

Sorry I lost track of this thread.

The answer is yes. Seachem has a product that allows you to buffer your water chemistry at near neutral pH , called Neutral Regulator. I have never used it but can speak highly of seachem products.

I beleive it contains salt anions that will react to precipitate out calcium and magnesium anions. This has the effect of allowing their carbonate partners to break down in to carbon dixide and be aerated out or consummed by plants. The effect is the water is softened at or near neutral pH. You can then add other salts that will act as either weak acids or bases and adjust your pH accordingly.

Acid buffers tend to contain phosphates which may cause an algae problem depending on the amount of light your tank is getting.
Good luck and let us know how you make out.

 

[ewurm]

I regularily use Neutral Regulator, as my water has 0 kH. This product is legit. I highly recommend to prevent pH swings.