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I have a 130 gallon tank with 3 baby red oscars (about 3 inches) and 2 small plecos (1 is 6 inches, the other is about 3) I have a sand substrate in the tank, and I'm aware that this will buffer my ph. My concern is that my water out of the tap is at 7.0, but is rising to 7.6 with each water change. I do a 30% water change each week, and I'm worried that the ph may be too unstable for them. Should I add a ph buffer? My other test results are ammonia 0, nitrites 0, and nitrates less than 5. I have been told my water is quite hard and I'm getting a new water softener installed today. Damn sand, I love the way it looks, but it causes too many problems. Also, if i need to add a ph buffer, will it hurt live plants? Any input appreciated.

Hi,
Unless you used one of the "crushed" materials available
for substrates (crushed coral, dolomite, or oyster shells),
I think you are on the wrong track in searching for the
culprit. Sand, is inert. Sand is grains of quartz (SiO2).
There is nothing in sand that will buffer your pH or
hardness.

A shift in water chemistries once the water is released
from the tap is normal, and why many will let the water
sit in an open container for 24 hours (some with an air
stone operating in it for circulation) before adding it
to their tanks.
The shift from .0 to .6 will not affect your fish and I
think that once your new water softner is added things
will settle down.

The use of chemicals to shift the pH up or down, or to
modify the hardnesses are a good way to use up lots of
money when in fact, the fish will do just fine without
your intervention.

IMO, I would not worry about the shift.

Frank


-->>> The Confidence of Amateurs, is the Envy of Professionals <<<--

Thanks Frank, you set my mind at ease.

Frank has said all and probably more than i would, and he is spot on.

Sand shoudl not and would not be the culprit in the rise of your pH.

Tap water chemistry will often shift marginally once it hits open air and is left to sit for a short while. Oscars and Common Plecos will do fine in a pH of 7.6, and you will find most fish can easily adapt to a relatively wide range of pH's. Your fish will be fine, and the sand is most likely not to blame.

No need to worry.

-- Gomer