Iffy Substrate

[pisces22]

Hey all,

My dad purchased black, Geosystem subtrate by Hagen for the 20 g kit he gave me for christmas (lucky, I know)!. On the back of the bag there is a warning" Geosystem natural gravel may contain minerals and trace elements that may buffer pH." I have a choice of soft or hard water in my country home, but the pH is always the same: 8.4 I have never tried to alter it because I read (and was told) it is not necessary; as long as it remains stable-does anyone have any experience with this substarte? Did it alter your pH or cause it to swing? I do have test kits to moniter weater conditions and paremeters.

Thanks

 

[qtaquaman]

Don't know if it will buffer up or down but a ph of 8.4 is uncomfortably high for most tropicals. African cichlids would be great (rift lake sps.) Consistancy is important but 8.4 is a ph iI would do something about. Acid buffer or a neutral regulator buffer at each water change, for aveg. community fish.