PH Discussion

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Fireguy

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Hey everyone, so I've been seeing lots of discussion on here on how to rise or drop pH levels. I was wondering why people suggest to use stuff like wood or crushed coral when you can simply buy pH Up or pH Down (at least... that's what it's called in Canada) and I'm pretty sure it's made by the same people that make the API test kits. I use it and it has worked very well for me. Is this just a matter of preference as some people want to try and keep the tank the most natural as possible with the least amount of chemicals?
 
Hayleyy

Hayleyy

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The reason we usually suggest staying away from the bottled pH up/down is because axolotl skin is sensitive and can absorb whatever you're putting in the tank. Using wood or crushed coral is also more stable than adding the chemicals.
Hope this helps! Would love to hear other people's points.
 
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Acacia

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Yep, most people stay away from bottled products due to the fact that they change ph levels too quickly. Though I haven't seen much about the actual optimum pH for an axolotl? They seem pretty tolerant of high pH, at least- I live in Chicago where the water has a pH of 8.0 and they seem fine- then again, I've only owned axolotls that I have hatched myself and lived in 8.0 pH water for their whole lives.
I'm curious to see others' experiences with axolotls and pH as well!
 
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Yeah as far as I know they can tolerate quite a range of pH. I had added an indian almond leaf to help with a skin condition and my pH dropped really quickly. It is usually 7.4-7.6 but had dropped to below 6.5 so I had to add crushed coral to counteract. It's stable now, though only some remnants of the leaf are left.
 
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    @MuggleMiChu I would say try live black/blood worms untell they are full or just turn there head away ( that's what mine do) if that does not work try to get some live brine shrimp and see if they eat that. baby axolotl prefer live food over frozen food as the frozen food is too cold for them or they can't eat it in one go( that's if you do the blocks) mine eat chopped up frozen thawed shrimp. as for them not eating from what I have experienced with my second axolotl, I got her when she was about an inch long and she ate every day, when they start getting 3-4 inches long they will gradually slow down there eating. and if you really want to do substrate I would do sand because if they do ingest a little bit it won't hurt them.
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