Acid Buffer

[Puffernewbee]

Has anyone used Seachem Acid buffer? The water out of the tap here has a PH of 7.6 and I would like to get it lower (around 6.6 - 6.8) to make most of my fish (rams, neon, rasboras, cories) happier. I asked my lFS about using RO water to reduce ph and they recommended Acid Buffer. I have read alot of postings where people talk about not add chemicals to treat water but this stuff is much cheaper than buying RO water.

 

[J.Fisher]

I wouldn't recomend it to anyone. I was left with a dangerously unstable pH after trying to manipulate my water with that stuff (along with the alkiline buffer). I am sure it works for some people but none that I know of.

 

[Candycat21]

I agree, add as little chemicals to your tank as possible. I would go with the RO water if you have the money to spend on it. It's def the better way to go.

 

[Kasakato]

Dont use it. It will mess you your water.

 

[Harlock]

Has anyone used Seachem Acid buffer? The water out of the tap here has a PH of 7.6 and I would like to get it lower (around 6.6 - 6.8) to make most of my fish (rams, neon, rasboras, cories) happier. I asked my lFS about using RO water to reduce ph and they recommended Acid Buffer. I have read alot of postings where people talk about not add chemicals to treat water but this stuff is much cheaper than buying RO water.

My pH is 7.8 My KH is 120. My GH is 420. Your fish are fine in that pH. See, here's how it works, a stable pH is preferable to the "ideal" pH. Do you know what determines the "ideal pH"? The fishes natural conditions. Most of your fish are likely to be captive bred anyway, probably for multiple generations. So, what is ideal for a fish that has only known pH 7.2 or 7.4? So long as your fish are acclimated properly, they will do fine in your water. If you are looking to breed these fish, then yes, more acidic water may be necessayr for some of them. If you're simply looking to keep fish, don't sweat it. The additives will cause pH swings which will stress and can even lead to the death of your fish. Don't listen to the LFS on this one. They are trying to get you to buy an additive that you'll have to use and replacein order to make a profit off of you.

 

[Candycat21]

Nicely said Harlock. I completely agree with you. For a while I had a pH of about 7.2 until i added driftwood, then it went right down to 5.8 - 6.0 My fish are all doing great...most of them actually prefer the more acidic water...the way I figured, i was better off leaving everything as is since my fish are obviously healthy and looking great...my angels have bred more times than i can count in the past 2 months.