Increasing pH with via filter media?

[silverfox]

Hi all

Would anyone know how to increase ph slightly using filter media (I'm using an Eheim 2213). The thing is that my pH is perfect at the moment, sitting at 6.5 to 6.8. So I'm very happy (and lucky) to have such stable water - but the thing is I'm planning on adding CO2 to my tank, so I'm worried that this could easily bring my pH down to 5.5 or even 5?

FYI - I also have wood in the tank, which I'm presuming brings the pH down also - but this has been in the tank for four months, so the whole system is nicely balanced at the moment.

Thanks for your help.

 

[BrkD]

you can stick some crushed coral in there.

 

[silverfox]

Thanks for the info.

I was thinking that coral (or sea shells of some sort) might do the trick - but just didn't know how much. I guess I'll start off with a very small amount in the filter and see how it goes.

 

[WeeNe858]

how many gallons is your tank?


either way you can use the cichlid substrat which is just crushed seashells but its made for freshwater. just a safer thought

 

[silverfox]

my tank is 20 gallons.

Thanks for the suggestion.

 

[Tommy Gun]

I would go with just a bit of crushed coral in the filter, if that is an option. I wouldnt use a substrate that is not best for plants like gravel (I think because they do not like the water movement past their roots).

In any case, I think you are on the right track. Dosing a bunch of chemicals to buffer Ph can lead to wide 'swings' throughout the tank , which can be bad for any fish you have in the tank who would suffer osmotic (sp?) shock, I believe is what that is called.

 

[Omega]

I'll give another vote for crushed coral.

 

[silverfox]

thanks to everyone for the info. I've got some coral and will be adding it to the filter tonight. Will keep you posted on the results.

Cheers
J