Trying to get ph level at 6.5
- Thread starter VinayU
- Start date
Others might chime in, but my experience is that anytime one tries to make adjustments that large (8.5 to 6.5) one runs a high risk of wild unpredictable fluctuations, which can be lethal or at least very stressful.
Better results may be had by acclimating fish to your water conditions, or consider different fish. (Only my thoughts of what I would do in the same situation)
Better results may be had by acclimating fish to your water conditions, or consider different fish. (Only my thoughts of what I would do in the same situation)
Well, two things.
First, water chemistry is extremely complicated, pH alone doesn't tell you enough to answer your question. How buffered your water is will also tell you how difficult it will be to change the ph.
Me, for example, I also have pH 8.5 or so water (Minnesota limestone baby!), and its crazy buffered. Just for fun I tried adding straight hydrochloric acid to a tank of water (no fish, of course), and it took a TON to get the pH down. And, a water change would have it pop right back up again.
In general though I agree with the above, it's extremely difficult and risky to maintain such a large change. Water changes would become a nightmare, and you'd inevitably screw up and the pH would swing out of control, potentially killing your fish.
I'm guessing you are looking at sensitive Amazon fish, perhaps Discus or something. If you want to keep fish happy in their pH, look at African fish instead, most of those lakes and rivers are closer to your tap water.
First, water chemistry is extremely complicated, pH alone doesn't tell you enough to answer your question. How buffered your water is will also tell you how difficult it will be to change the ph.
Me, for example, I also have pH 8.5 or so water (Minnesota limestone baby!), and its crazy buffered. Just for fun I tried adding straight hydrochloric acid to a tank of water (no fish, of course), and it took a TON to get the pH down. And, a water change would have it pop right back up again.
In general though I agree with the above, it's extremely difficult and risky to maintain such a large change. Water changes would become a nightmare, and you'd inevitably screw up and the pH would swing out of control, potentially killing your fish.
I'm guessing you are looking at sensitive Amazon fish, perhaps Discus or something. If you want to keep fish happy in their pH, look at African fish instead, most of those lakes and rivers are closer to your tap water.
A lot has been mentioned which are good points. Last thing to add is get a RO unit and mix half tap water with the RO and adjust to get a ph of 6.5. Would keep that water in a separate vat for water changes when u need it. More expensive to do and a lot of water will be wasted. So if ur concerned about ur water bill then get fish that’ll tolerate hard water.
