i check the pH in my tank regularly, and this has been happening for a while now. the pH coming out of my tap is a desireable level (7.0-7.5), but when i checked my tank last night, the pH was low again. I have crushed coral to bring it back up to correct levels. I have no drift wood to bring it down, only some ceramic ornaments & 2 fake plants. Could my water conditioner be brining the pH of my tank down? I use Stress Coat. What else could be causing my pH to drop down?
why does my pH keep dropping?
- Thread starter calcnerd
- Start date
Have you tested the pH of your tapwater after it's sits out overnight in a shallow bowl? Try it--there can be a difference.
Otherwise--what is your KH? How many water changes do you do, and what volume? The normal acidification of biological processes in the tank can burn through KH and result in lower pH. If your KH is less than 3, and you don't do frequent water changes to replenish the buffer, this is likely the problem.
Otherwise--what is your KH? How many water changes do you do, and what volume? The normal acidification of biological processes in the tank can burn through KH and result in lower pH. If your KH is less than 3, and you don't do frequent water changes to replenish the buffer, this is likely the problem.
i'm fairly new to this. what is KH? carbon? i'll have to get a test kit for it
i havent tried letting it sit out. i'll do that. usually i do a 30-50% water change every 1.5-2 weeks. i dont have many fish, so there isnt much waste.
i havent tried letting it sit out. i'll do that. usually i do a 30-50% water change every 1.5-2 weeks. i dont have many fish, so there isnt much waste.
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Do the overnight test and also measure your KH. That's just reiterating what OG has said, she knows aquaria!
Change your water more frequently. At least once per week. Even if you don't have lots of fish.
Speaking of which, can you quantify that? How many of what fish in what sized tank?
Change your water more frequently. At least once per week. Even if you don't have lots of fish.
Speaking of which, can you quantify that? How many of what fish in what sized tank?
i have 1 4" nicaraguense, 3 tiger barbs, 1 2" krib, and a 2" pleco in my 29 gallon. the nicaraguense is awaiting his new home next month in a 55.
Orion Girl's remark is right on: "The normal acidification of biological processes in the tank can burn through KH and result in lower pH."
Overtime, Nitrification will increase acidity.
Overtime, Nitrification will increase acidity.