Low PH

[sal9012]

Hi guys, long time lurker.

I have a 75 tanks that has been running for over a year. Community tank with assorted community (a little overstocked) but mortality is less than 2-3 fish a year.

Gravel and artificial plants

Filtration is:

-Undergravel with airstones
-Emperor 400
-2 XP3's loaded with ceramic rings, various pads and Purigen

Weekly water changes 25%

Water is crystal clear all the time

Main problem is since early this month I can't keep my PH over 6.2

Last night's reading are:
PH =6.2
Ammonia=0
Nitrite=0
Nitrate=40
We are under heavy water restrictions here in Florida and I don't know how much chemicals they are adding to the water.

Tap PH readings are on the 7.8-8

Anywhere I can keep it up without chemicals?

thanks in advance.

 

[merc123]

Could try using baking soda to raise it. Be VERY careful though because I put less than a teaspoon in my 125 and my pH shot up from 7 to over 8.2.

 

[EelOwner]

I use baking soda too.

 

[StingrayFanatic]

I use half of the recommended dose of Seachem Alkaline Buffer. It works for me.

 

[Tongue33]

What are the various pads... Crushed coral or a good sized piece of coral is safer than baking soda in my opinion Especially since it sounds like you are just beginning to research this subject..

U can also call the City and get teh water depot.. and ask about the chems Where i live they send out a bi annual report.

 

[neoprodigy]

What are the various pads... Crushed coral or a good sized piece of coral is safer than baking soda in my opinion Especially since it sounds like you are just beginning to research this subject..

U can also call the City and get teh water depot.. and ask about the chems Where i live they send out a bi annual report.

yup crushed coral works...

 

[sal9012]

Thanks for the replies,

Yesterday I added Seachem Neutral Regulator and this morning readings pretty much the same.

I'm a little concerned about baking soda since it PH can jump pretty high in a seccond.

If I add crushed coral how much should I add and can I just place it on one of my XP3?

"various pads" on my XP3's mean FOAM 20, FOAM 30 & MicroFiltration +

 

[StingrayFanatic]

I've used that neutral regulator.........try crush coral as mentioned above or Seachem Alkaline Buffer it raises ph but dont use too much itll raise it to 7.2 to 8.5. Like I said use half dose.

 

[sal9012]

i'll try that tonight, thanks

 

[merc123]

I didn't suggest crushed coral because I was under the assumption that the pH needed to 7 or so. If the pH can be around 7.6-8.0 then used crushed coral. That's what I use in my 125 african cichlid tank and it keeps my pH at 7.8.