How do I lower Ph and KH?

Beeker

Beeker

Aquariaholic
Oct 8, 2004
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I have a cycled tank that I will be adding fish to this Saturday. The only problem is that I have to get the Ph and KH down a little more to make the params ideal for the types of fish I'm getting. How do I lower the Ph and KH? I don't have to worry about lowering them slowly because, other than plants there is no wildlife in it. My ph is about 8, but I need it between 6 and 7. The KH is about 6. Please help.
 
Beeker said:
I have a cycled tank that I will be adding fish to this Saturday. The only problem is that I have to get the Ph and KH down a little more to make the params ideal for the types of fish I'm getting. How do I lower the Ph and KH? I don't have to worry about lowering them slowly because, other than plants there is no wildlife in it. My ph is about 8, but I need it between 6 and 7. The KH is about 6. Please help.
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What kind of fish are you getting?
 
Acclimate them slowly they will be fine. The "ideal range" has more to do with their wild habitat and with breeding, unless you're looking to breed them, you needn't concern yourself with lowering pH and KH, it's not trivial to do it quantitatively (i.e. with control over how much you lower it by, which is important).

A stable pH is the most important thing.
 
But IF you do want to lower it you can try injecting C02 and adding driftwood and peat to make the water softer and more acidic
 
I second happychem's comments. Fiddling with pH and KH is not easy, unless you invest in reverse osmosis equipment. The fish you list will do fine in water with a pH of 8.

Jim
 
I'll third happychems statements and add...
Never mess with PH, KH and GH unless you have to, and then only after much study/research and preparation.
 
Thanks guys, that is good to know. But, I am getting my Sparkling Gouramis and Kerri Tetras tomorrow and my Betta Imbellis next week. I really want to make sure the water is ideal for them so they can relax from their tough trips and new environment. Right now, the Ph is okay but the KH is very low. How do I up the KH without raising my Ph?
 
You cannot up the Kh without raising the Ph unless you inject Co2 to counteract the increase in buffer. Your Kh is well above the saftey zone if it is at 6 DKh. I personally would not mess with anything if you want your fish to be happy and healthy. I played that game for a couple of years, and lower/ regulating a Ph different than your tap water is not a project for anyone trying to enjoy a hobby. I earned over time exactly what everyone is saying. Just relax there is nothing to worry about.
dave
 
I'm sorry I didn't update the numbers. The Ph is now about 7.2 and the KH isn't even 1. What should I do? The fish will be here tomorrow.
 
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