PH Problems

[MandaLotlMomma]

Hi there!

So I have been cycling Heyzeus' tank and its getting to the point that I am estimating that the cycle will be done in the next 2 weeks or so. My ammonia is down to .25 ppm, my nitrites are dropping and my nitrAtes are up the upswing. (Yes, I know parameters need to be 0,0,<40... waiting to put him in until it hits that and stays steady for a few days lol:tongue

So here is my problem... my pH is reading 6.0 - 6.4. I really don't want to use chemicals to increase the pH because I have heard bad things about that.

What is a natural way to raise the pH in his tank to his ideal 7.6? Is there some kind of decor or plant that I can put in there that would bring it up appropriately?

 

[HayleyK]

I've heard certain rocks and crushed coral can help bring up pH, but to what degree I'm not entirely sure.

 

[auntiejude]

Your water is acidic because of the nigh levels of nitrite and nitrate. Once you do a few water changes it should even out.

If not you can add some crushed coral or oyster shell to the filter until it neutralises, or add some buffering salts such as Holtfreters.

 

[MandaLotlMomma]

Thanks AuntieJude!!

 

[Xtophr]

What sort of water are you using to fill your tank? If it's distilled/reverse osmosis water, it will have a low pH around 6.2-6.4, and have no hardness (KH/GH), both of which are bad.

 

[MandaLotlMomma]

I am using tap water which runs hard with a pH around 7.6-7.8 here. Doing water changes is helping so far