PH of 7.5 and Kh 4/5

[nfinit1]

All
I have just started a 75 gal planted tank, 2227 Eheim, CSL 48" 2x65 Power Compact 1.73 w per gal., Flourite and Eco Complete substrate.

No fish, just some wendtii reds, micro swords, bacopa, Red Ludwgia, two swords. about 9 plants in all

I have had carbon in the eheim for three weeks while the tank cycles. I took the carbon out last night

What are ways that I can get the ph down to 7.0 and increase the KH????

My last test was this
NH = 0
NO2 = 0.3
KH = 4/5 (it took four drops to turn it from blue to yellow
ph = 7.5

Will more plants help???
Any help is greatly appreciated

[djlen]

Your kH is fine. No need to mess with it.
The best way to lower pH is with CO2. You can inject with no problem with that kH.
If you don't want to use CO2 you will probably be fine for growing low light plants in that environment just the way it is.
I would not use chemicals to lower pH, especially when it is not necessary.

Len

[nfinit1]

Thanks DJlen (r u a dj really???)

Can u give me a few links to some simple DYI CO2???

Do u use CO2???

[nfinit1]

DJ

I need to get that ph down because I want to keep angels in this tank.

I dont want to use any chemicals either...Is it ok to add the Ehfiflav(peat) to the eheim to lower ph????

How will this effect kh???

THanks

[Tempest]

Angelfish will adapt fine to a ph of 7.5... Your tank is really too big to use the DIY CO2. You would need to go with the pressurized.

[djlen]

I agree with Tempest. Your angels will adapt to your water conditions. This will be made easier if the water is kept clean. By that I mean regular water changes. I only add fish just after a water change. This has, in my experience, made the acclimation process much easier on the fish I've kept over the years. I also take a lot of time adding them to the tank. I brought home some Rams and Cardinals yesterday at about 12:30 and they didn't go into the tank until close to 6:00PM. I add tank water to their bags in small increments to lessen any pH shock. Works for me.
I also agree with Tempest on the CO2. DIY is really only affective on tanks of up to 30 - 40 gallons.....Max!! Unless you want to set up 5 or 6 bottles at a time and daisy chain them.
For example, when I was using DIY on my 55s I was using 4-2liter
bottles on EACH one to get the affect I wanted. Mixing all that sugar and yeast gets old really quickly. Now, I only use it on my 10gal. isolation tank, which is also planted. Works great on a tank that small, but not the larger ones.
Here's an article on DIY CO2 if you're still determined to try it:

http://www.animalnetwork.com/fish2/aqfm/1997/oct/aquatic/default.asp

Yes, I am a dj.

Len

[nfinit1]

tempest and DJLen...thanks sooo much for your info
It is greatly appreciated

My funds are kinda low for some pressurized CO2

ANy other solutions????
Would adding peat to the eheim help bring the ph down???

Thanks

[TwoTankAmin]

You do not need to change your pH for angels:

pH 7.4, gh 6, kh 5
http://home.att.net/~c.leighton/wsb/media/39037/site1090.jpg

You can lower pH using peat. However, you will find that it is hard to maintain a stable pH at a given level, especially at water changes.

[nfinit1]

thanks for all the information it is helpful
So basically I am good...I just need go ahead and get more plants and start slowly adding fish

Octinulus
Black Neons

Once tank in nice and stable
Add black angels(4 small)

Kuhli Loaches


I am not familiar with fish that do well in ph will be around 7.5
any suggestions???

[TwoTankAmin]

I do not modify my water params, here is what I have in 7.4 pH:

Angels
Discus
Clown loach
sidthimunki loach
montezuma swords
harlequin rasboras
cardinal tetras
assorted corys- panda, similis, sterbai
assorted plecos- dwarf bristles, zebras, L-134, L-333, queen arab
SAEs
oto affinis and zebra
denisonii barbs
threadfin rainbows
furcatus rainbows
z danio
white cloud

Fish I have had but no longer do
Rosey barb
Cherry barb
Dwarf Flame gourami
betta
red tailed shark
yoyo loach
common swords
false SAE

There are many more you can do as well.
paleatus cory
gertrudae rainbows