Lowering PH ?

[killerfish]

Whats the best way to lower the PH of a tank to around 6.0 i'm trying to set up a tank for an apistogramma so i'm thinkin drift wood but whats the best kind to lower PH or is there another way i don't wan't to use chemicals

 

[davo]

What is it currently? I think if your carbonate hardness is high, bogwood won't be enough and you might need to use RO water through peat. Using peat is a good way to lower the pH.

 

[Hawkfish3.0]

davo's absolutely right. You'll need to check your KH to see how effectively you'll be able to lower the pH. Honestly though, you could probably get away with a more neutral pH, as long as it's not too alkaline. Fish will adapt very well.

 

[Jfitz]

dont worry so much about changing your Ph as you should keeping it stable.
If the Ph is off by just abit its better to keep it that way then constantly change it

 

[killerfish]

Right now the PH is 6.9 i'll check the KH

I've read that Apistos need PH around 6.0 some higher some lower i suppose really i should find out what species i''m gonna get my LFS had a few different pairs but of course i can't remember which ones

Also Peat ? you don't mean peat moss do you ?

 

[Hawkfish3.0]

Yes, peat means peat moss.

 

[killerfish]

okay thanks sorry wasn't sure

Should i put it in the filter pad like with carbon or can it go right in the tank as a substrate sorry just never used it before

 

[Hawkfish3.0]

okay thanks sorry wasn't sure

Should i put it in the filter pad like with carbon or can it go right in the tank as a substrate sorry just never used it before

A mesh bag full in the filter is usually the best.

 

[killerfish]

okay i kind of figured it would float or mess up the water , Do i need to change it or does it lower the PH when it starts to rot ?

 

[Hawkfish3.0]

okay i kind of figured it would float or mess up the water , Do i need to change it or does it lower the PH when it starts to rot ?

The rotting process is what creates the acids which drop the pH.