Lowering Ph

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
thanks, im still considering getting some ph down from petsmart. just the thought of adding it every water change seems a bit costly
 
I had yellow shrimp for about a year before a tank disaster decimated them... But until then, they were happy and breeding (especially once I added Kent's Iodine to the water). Anyway, I had the same issue with the pH. I would be wary of the pH down product. Read on the label-- they say it's not good for plants. Because of this, I crushed Vitamin-C pills (ascorbic acid) and filtered water through the powder in coffee filters when I did water changes. It took a while, but I was able to figure out an approximate amount of Vit. C powder per gallon. I also had driftwood in my tank (which really did not change the pH significantly for me despite taking up about 50% of the aquarium space).

I have to admit, though, I was only dealing with a 5 gallon tank... But at least, I have proven that this method is safe and effective.
 
Dont think coral is a good idea. If u r set on lowering to around pH7, I would try Seachem's Neutral Regulator. Works well for me.
 
lukester825;4270777;4270777 said:
thanks, im still considering getting some ph down from petsmart. just the thought of adding it every water change seems a bit costly
dont do it. if you have a high buffering capacity (i.e., what is considered the optimal kh range) your ph will go right back up to what it was. youre gonna end up stressing your fish out with the constant ups and downs in the ph. just leave it where it's at, fish adapt to almost any ph level.

and crush coral will raise your ph and hardness level. this is NOT what you want.
 
For sure dont do pHdown. Speaking from experience, they will put your tank into a pH rollercoaster. Main thing, as said above, is to be consistent. Best option may be to leave it alone. If u r going to try breeding or if u think fish r stressed, try the various buffering agents available. They r made to adjust AND provide stability, but u have to monitor and use with every WC.
 
Also Petsmart is alright for supplies, but when u need good advice or have a problem, go to a trusted lfs.
 
jcardona1;4311767; said:
dont do it. if you have a high buffering capacity (i.e., what is considered the optimal kh range) your ph will go right back up to what it was. youre gonna end up stressing your fish out with the constant ups and downs in the ph. just leave it where it's at, fish adapt to almost any ph level.

and crush coral will raise your ph and hardness level. this is NOT what you want.

What happened to the pensive pretty photographer? Guages are cool (I guess), but now I'm 99% sure u r a dude. Cool though. Like the new "face." HEY! Just noticed your sig. I LOVE Stranger In A Strange Land. Just reread it for 4th time. ANYWAY, tangent complete. Carry on...NO pHDown!
 
lujor;4312239;4312239 said:
What happened to the pensive pretty photographer? Guages are cool (I guess), but now I'm 99% sure u r a dude. Cool though. Like the new "face." HEY! Just noticed your sig. I LOVE Stranger In A Strange Land. Just reread it for 4th time. ANYWAY, tangent complete. Carry on...NO pHDown!
haha yeah im a dude. that was just a pic i found online since i'm a Nikon freak. and the guages are of my new co2 setup for my planted tank :D
 
lujor;4312239; said:
What happened to the pensive pretty photographer? Guages are cool (I guess), but now I'm 99% sure u r a dude. Cool though. Like the new "face." HEY! Just noticed your sig. I LOVE Stranger In A Strange Land. Just reread it for 4th time. ANYWAY, tangent complete. Carry on...NO pHDown!

We call him the sippy froo froo cappucino drinking guy who absolutely LOVES to visit Lowe's on Sunday. :D:D
 
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