Naturally lowering PH

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
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bleublaze55

Gambusia
MFK Member
Oct 15, 2009
340
1
16
Orange County
So i have done some googling around as well as searching here and haven't really come to any concrete method of lowering the ph of tap water.
I think i understand why in some areas that lowering ph with buffers is hard because of the buffering ions as well as the alkalinity. That makes sense but im curious if there is any way around it.
I have also seen people use peat wood/moss in the filtration systems to provide a better affect in lower the PH
I am currently using a water deionized from enagic. Yes is the kangen machine :irked:, anyways works alright but you have to buy some fluid to keep the water ph low.

I want to find a way to do it naturally or more cheaply. I have heard RO system are great and even know some not so expensive ones, again, trying to find away around all this drama.

Also, has anyone had any luck with almond leaves?

So does anyone have any great way to lower PH, safe, easy, and cheap?

Thanks!!!:)
 
The only way to lower your PH and have it remain stable, is to use RO to take out the buffers, make it neutral, and remineralize to the hardness and PH you desire. If you don't, you can up with major PH shifts and swings, and this can be lethal to sensitive species of fish.
 
DRINKING WATER IS THE BEST. I YHINK!! .25 CENTS A GALLON OR 1.00 FOR 5 GALLONS.
 
bleublaze55;3811003; said:
Ya im starting to think RO is my way to go.... Any suggestions on where to get a good price on one that doesn't drip gallons a day..??
Click to expand...

I've heard people say good things about Kent's Deion 200R Ion Exchange unit. They are three stage resin DI rechargeable units, and produce no waste water. Probably the way I would go if I needed something like an RO. I think Petsolutions sells them.
 
Try Bulk Reef Supply. I bought a 3 stage unit for around $150.00. It comes with everything you need for multiple applications. Make sure you get a GH and KH test kit to actually verify what you are doing.
 
I haven't posted in quite awhile, but i have had good luck with boiling oak leaves after they have turned brown and have dried well into winter. Just gather them and place in cool water to water log them and then get them to a simmer, the water will turn a rich tea colored brown. Test for PH and mix with your reg tap water untill you are satisfied with the PH, and add to aqu. water.
Blackthumb:popcorn:
 
rainwater if you can get enough of it. No problem where I live. If you can't, use ion exchange units. They are easy to recharge with hydrochloric acid and caustic soda and produce no waster water. RO units are expensive to run if you are paying for your water and are slow to produce big quantities of water.

You can use peat in your filter but if your tap water is very hard from the word go it will do very little
 
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