pH question

[KatelynC]

I'm setting up a strickly invert tank, and the pH is a bit low... how do i rectify that (w/o chemicals if possible)?? Thanks

[mroth_3]

baking soda

[KatelynC]

okay, what about aragonite? anyone familiar with that?

[msjinkzd]

What is your pH and what are you planning on keeping invert wise?

[KatelynC]

i just set it up, from the same water source of my other tank and its only about 6.8ish right now. I was thinking mystery snails and maybe some cherry shrimp depending. There are all live plants in it as well. I know the pH has to be higher for the snails.

[msjinkzd]

I would try out crushed coral and see if buffering it helps raise your pH to an acceptable level. Its probably one of the more consistent ways of buffering your water. You could also try baking soda, but that would have to be added at every water change. I have no used aragonite, but anything that will increase the hardness will help. You want your goal to be 7.5 minimum for the snails and the cherry's will do fine in that range as well.

[KatelynC]

put the coral in the tank or filter? I'll give that a whirl when i can get to the store this week.

[Lupin]

Yes, put the crushed corals in a nylon bag and then filter. Crushed oyster shells and most seashells actually work as well. Add limestones as well.

[KatelynC]

thank you!

[KatelynC]

i added the crushed coral and some lime stone, how long should i wait to test my water again? 24hrs?

[Lupin]

Try retesting now and see if any changes were made.

[KatelynC]

It increased a little- about 7.0 now, but not to my liking. I couldn't fit much of the coral and limestone into my filter. Can i mix it in with the gravel as well?

[Lupin]

Yes, you can.

[KatelynC]

Thank you very much