Question: pH between 8.0 and 8.2, How do I get the level down?

[Jess]

I recently posted a thread about how my tank has started cycling.

Well now all the levels are perfect, except for the pH, which is now testing between 8.0-8.2

The normal pH for my tank is 7.6, and I did about a 20% water change last night when I first discovered the high pH, thinking maybe it would correct the problem.

Today I tested again, and everything is perfect except pH.

My axie is currently in a terrarium-like tank awaiting his actual tank to become safe for him to live in.

What can I do to get the pH down?

 

[Kaysie]

You can add a handful of peatmoss to your filter (put in a stocking or something). This may help. But pH of 8 isn't that high.

 

[kclinton]

You could try some drift wood.

 

[Jess]

Where do I get driftwood?

 

[kclinton]

Some times you can find it a pet store already soaked. The last time I got some it was was from petco. If you buy it dry you will need to soak it first.

 

[Jess]

Will I have to do this every time I do a water change?

 

[Kaysie]

No, with either driftwood or peat, you'll just leave it in there. Again, I wouldn't mess with it if it's at a pH of 8. It's really not 'high'.

 

[Jess]

What would be considered "too high"? I know the textbook answer to this, but what is everyone's personal experience?

 

[Kaysie]

I've never even tested pH. Axolotls are tolerant of a fairly large range (I'd say 6-9ish), and as long as the pH doesn't bounce around, they can thrive outside of neutral pH.

 

[John]

8-8.2 is ideal for axolotls. Don't bother messing with it unless it gets much higher.

 

[Jess]

Thanks John!