pH problem

[knifegill]

Mmmm, beneficial bacteria slaughtering water...from the tap.

Actually, it would be fine if I felt like using a holding tank and aerating it first, but I don't. It comes out of the tap at 7.4 and degases down rapidly. *kicks a rock*

So I just buffer the tank for new water with crushed coral and it holds around 7.2 most of the week. Clean, baked eggshells seem to be working, too.

 

[Bobtastic6]

over the past few days or so i've been keeping a really close eye on my pH levels and after the water change i put some crushed corals in a removable container with holes in it. i have left that container in my tank for the past two day (trying to go slow and see how the water reacts) and the pH has been unaffected and remains rather acidic. i also added the recomended amount of aquarium salt after the water change. and additional thoughts? should i just add the crushed coral to my substrate?

 

[zennzzo]

Is there good circulation through the box?

 

[Bobtastic6]

Is there good circulation through the box?

its a cylindrical container about 3 inches tall and 3 inches in diameter with a 1 inch hole in diameter in the cap. remove the cap?

 

[zennzzo]

aaaaah yeah? how is the water going to get in the container and have the coral do it's thing?

 

[dunderman]

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?

That's pretty low for Africans, as most prefer hard, alkaline water (around 8.2). You can use crushed coral as the substrate in an African tank permanently with no ill effects (it will maintain a constant pH around 8.2, and will harden the water). Constant drops in pH indicate a buildup of wastes in your system. What is your maintenance schedule?

 

[Bobtastic6]

wow what a bonehead move haha there is more circulation thru the container now but the pH is still uneffected and my water is starting to get cloudy. as for tank maintenance i do 30% water changes every 3 weeks.

 

[Bobtastic6]

TTT

 

[dunderman]

as for tank maintenance i do 30% water changes every 3 weeks.

You should be changing at least that much water every week.