how do u keep ur ph in the proper ranges?

[Liquidcfour]

i was just wondering, out of ceriosity, and cuz my ph is 8.0 and the prefered is 8.2 i beleive, so how do i or would i if needed to get my ph to 8.2 where it belongs?
and what do you use and recomend for the job?

thanks
-brandon

 

[Gealcath]

A calcium based subtrate or alot of calcium based rock (such as Tuffa) can help stablize PH to some small extent, however reqular water changes and a good salt mix are usually the best bets for maintaining PH, also alot of algaes can raise or lower PH due to photosynthisis.

 

[gottahavefish]

Depending on your fish collection, most tanks of community fish the ph should be 7...7.2...in that range. I have Discus and they prefer more acidic water. Regular baking soda will raise ph...do it slowly.....also buying ph up...or....ph down is a good idea and follow directions.

 

[Oliver]

There is this stuff that my lfs recomended I should buy that automaticly levels the PH to 8.3 for instance. There are different bottle you buy for a particular PH and this way you add I think it is 2 teaspoons a weeks for 1 month, and then it will stabilize. I am going to buy it soon so I will be able to comment on it. It sounds good though because using PH up ad Down can be a hassle. check the product out, might help and it isn't too expensive. The bottle he recomended was big, he said it would last for quite a while and it was 22 Australian dollars.

 

[mogurnda]

In most cases, what you need is:
*strong circulation, which will reduce CO2 in the water
*decent stocking and feeding habits to keep organic acids under control
*proper alkalinity (3-5 mEq/L), which buffers the water at the right pH; depending on the tank, this can often be maintained with regular water changes. Sometimes you will need to add buffer. Don't add buffer unless you test your alkalinity first.

 

[Liquidcfour]

thanks guys... information is great...
-brandon