pH problem

[Bobtastic6]

i have african cichlids and i'm trying to keep a pH of somewhere in the high 7 range but it is a constant struggle because it's always falling and getting more acidic. how can i fix this and regain a steady pH level?

 

[smellslikefish]

what is the ph of your tap water?

 

[Yumu]

Add crushed coral

 

[ward1066]

I use limestone or crushed coral to buffer and add some epsom salts to make the hardness go up. You can also add a little baking soda to raise the ph but if your water isnt hard it will fluctuate

 

[flamed03]

Make sure you don`t leave the crushed coral in their long. As soon as the PH goes back up make sure to take it out or it will make your PH sky rocket and your tank will get real cloudy. I would check the level every hour after putting crushed coral in it. Also put the crushed coral in a netted bag and put it in your filter.

 

[BODYDUB]

Add crushed coral

Bingo............

 

[knifegill]

But be sure to make all changes very slowly. Big swings in water parameters are very stressful.

 

[zennzzo]

Move to where I am, the TAP water is 8.0, always!

 

[knifegill]

Lucky. Mine drops below 6.3 within a day if not buffered.

 

[zennzzo]

Lucky. Mine drops below 6.3 within a day if not buffered.

MMMmmmm SA breeding water...from the tap!!