FishProfiles.com Message Forums

I live in a city where the tap water has a farely high pH. It is atleast 7.4 or higher. Are there ways I can lower the pH?

I do not want to use the chemicals for that because I try to stay away from chemicals as much as possible. I know there are times when the city water gets above 8 which is what concerns me. Would a piece pf driftwood stabilize the pH in the tnak? If so just say the word and I will go get a piece today!

Thanks for the help!


Christina

hmm...what kind of fish ur planning to put in there?? my pH in the city is around 8.3-8.5...its high....and the fish i put there r those that r around 7.5-8.0, but since, they were raised and grown in the same area, they r well acclimated in that parameter. the best thing, i think, on lowering ur pH is by installing a co2 reactor in ur tank if its planted and moderately size...otherwise, u can use peat moss or driftwood that reacts, only set back is, both will color ur water.

Driftwood & Peat will lower the ph, but it will take time to do it.


http://uk.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/s8xi5heh/my_photos
http://www.geocities.com/s8xi5heh/classic_blue.html
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/buzaqq/
http://uk.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/s8xi5heh/detail?.dir=/mail&.dnm=1518scd.jpg&.src=ph

http://www.flickr.com/photos/corydoras/
Member of the Malta Aquarist Society - 1970.
http://www.maltaaquarist.com

Humic substances will lower the pH but they are also known for
discoloring the water. and adding CO2 will also effectively
lower pH to a specific range when used with a pH controller
and solenoid. The most effective method for lowering pH is
using RO and DI water, but this can get expensive and you have
to add everything back in by hand or via dosing systesm($$$)

the best thing to do is slowly acclimatize you rfish to your
water, they can adapt to higher pH quite easily and behave
normally. tampering with pH often results in more problems
than if you just let it be at were it naturally is.

HTH,
Megil.

I use a PH stablizer at every water change for the last 15 years and never a problem. Check with others in your area to see what they are doing. This keeps my PH at a good level.

Have a look in [link=My Profile]http://
www.fishprofiles.com/interactive/forums/profile.asp?userid=6741" style="COLOR: #00FF00[/link] for my tank info

[link=Betta 11Gal Desktop & Placidity 5ft Community Tanks]http://photobucket.com/albums/b209/keithgh/Betta%20desktop%20tank/" style="COLOR: #00FF00[/link]

Keith

Near enough is not good enough, therefore good enough is not near enough, and only your best will do.
I VOTE DO YOU if not WHY NOT?
VOTE NOW VOTE NOW