View Full Version : PH is ~6.0 from tap, is this bad or what?
BCompDude
10-26-2005, 2:48 AM
Am I unable to keep fish with this horrible pH? I really don't want to have to buy stuff to keep the pH at 7.0 or so. Is my fishkeeping doomed before it even begins?
Raskolnikov
10-26-2005, 2:58 AM
What is the pH of your tapwater after you let it sit (preferably agitated) for 24 hours?
BCompDude
10-26-2005, 9:59 PM
What is the pH of your tapwater after you let it sit (preferably agitated) for 24 hours?
It goes up to about 6.6. Hrmmm. I bought some buffering agent that keeps it at 7.0, is that advisable? My alkalinity is bad, its at zero.
pbrack
10-26-2005, 10:08 PM
If you've got plants, the buffers aren't good. But if your tank has fish only, then you might be alright!
ashdavid
10-26-2005, 11:25 PM
If you've got plants, the buffers aren't good. But if your tank has fish only, then you might be alright!
Unfortunately that is not true. Plants do fine in a well buffered tank. It is only when the water is very alkaline that you may have to start choosing what plants to put in your tank, but generaly you will be fine.
As for your tank PH being too low to keep fish, I think your worries are unfounded. True there are not a lot of buffers in your water, but if you select soft water loving fish you will be fine. Also it is a must that you do regular water changes to keep replenishing the buffers so your PH does not crash.
Puffernewbee
10-26-2005, 11:38 PM
I wish my tap water was 6.6. I wouldn't have to play with chemicals and RO water to keep mine at that point. I have Blue Rams, Cardinals, Rummy Nose Tetras and they love the low pH.
happychem
10-27-2005, 9:17 AM
I agree, you have excellent water for typical SA fish, you could set up an awesome SA dwarf cichlid tank - sorry, I've just recently acquired a couple, they're pretty awesome, "new toy syndrome" I guess (in other words, they'll be my favourite until I see another awesom fish that I need to set up another tank for :D).
Also, keep in mind that it's really easy to increase KH if you want to inject CO2 or keep rift lake cichlids, but it's not trivial or cheap to lower it. IMO, soft tap water is ideal to the hobby because it allows the hobbyist greater flexibility at a lower cost.
I find it difficult to maintain any tank with very low KH, and certainly any community or planted tank. I will not operate below KH 3-4.
pbrack
10-27-2005, 10:52 AM
Yeah, sorry about my info.
The way you said it made me think of the product proper ph 7.0 (0r 7.5 or 8.2!) (which is a buffer sold at big als). That stuff can kill your plants!
Good call Raskolnikov!