PH Issue in 55 GAL

[Fallen]

If there are little shells in it, you're probably using crushed coral for substrate which will raise your pH to about 8.4 over time. Test your pH out of your tap and see what that is, if it's lower than your tank water, that's what's going on. If that's the case and you want a lower pH, you're going to have to change the substrate.

 

[andyjs]

Yep, sounds like you're using a CaCO3 based substrate which will almost certainly raise your pH. It should only be used with African Rift Lake fish, some Central Americans, or Marine setups. Switch that substrate out for something inert (like the regular gravel in the other tank) and you should be good. Just make sure the pH changes gradually so the fish are not shocked/killed.

 

[steve0199us]

Sorry.. Royal blue meant high PH and highlight yellow is very low PH.. I've kept it stable this way for some time now... And yes, it is the substrate in my 55gal tank.. The water out of my tap is neutral... if I can leave it as is, then I will do so keeping the PH stable...

My 55gal w/ the substrate, I have a filter with 2 slots w/ carbon on one side and a sponge on the other side, water changes are done weekly....

In the 95gal is a old school ehaim ( not sure about the model or spelling) but it's a 4-5 gallon filter... water changes are done weekly on both tanks...

again, if I can leave it as is keeping it stable, this is what I will do...