lowering ph
- Thread starter son2fu
- Start date
I wouldn't even try. Any fish you want to put in the tank will be fine with 7.2 (or more) and a stable pH is better than a fluctuating pH. Trying to change it can just get into a roller coaster.
What is the kH of the water anyway? If you have plenty of buffering capability then you won't change the pH for long and it with bounce back (which is actually a good thing).
What is the kH of the water anyway? If you have plenty of buffering capability then you won't change the pH for long and it with bounce back (which is actually a good thing).
There is slight concern that breeding may not work out right if the certain water conditions are not met. I wouldn't worry though.
Also find out what the pH of the water at the fish store is. Chances are they are in a similar water already as changing the pH can be pricey and most fish stores don't want the added cost.
Also find out what the pH of the water at the fish store is. Chances are they are in a similar water already as changing the pH can be pricey and most fish stores don't want the added cost.
If you wanted to decorate your tank with driftwood that would lower your Ph, not sure how much though. Your fish would appreciate a new place to explore though, even if it didn't change the Ph. But for the most part you do more harm than good, trying to change the Ph of your water. It also adds more work to things you have to do and it's unnecessary and who wants that? 
are you planning on breeding the fish?
if not don't worry. 7.2 is only slighty basic and close enough to neutral it should not have a detrimental effect on keeping fish that 'require' (I used this loosely) acidic water. Most fish can adapt and survive comfortably in this situation. You want to avoid drastic pH fluctuations.
if not don't worry. 7.2 is only slighty basic and close enough to neutral it should not have a detrimental effect on keeping fish that 'require' (I used this loosely) acidic water. Most fish can adapt and survive comfortably in this situation. You want to avoid drastic pH fluctuations.
echoofformless
Peat Advocate & Defender Of Snails
If you use driftwood and mild peat filtration you will safely and consistently keep your pH a little lower.
Now remember I'm saying mild; don't go filling your whole filter with the stuff. That would be for a more serious nut of a hobbyist who is trying to seriously go blackwater.
What you would probably want to do is use around a little less than a tablespoon per gallon. Your water will tint a very slight tea color and your fish will show a noticeable increase in overall vitality.
Again, if you keep it light and slight you will never have any water chemistry problems or fluctuation issues. The idea isn't so much to change the pH itself but more to just add certain natural chemistry to the water that replicates the fishes' native conditions. That is the purpose of peat filtration when done in a mild, simple manner.
Now remember I'm saying mild; don't go filling your whole filter with the stuff. That would be for a more serious nut of a hobbyist who is trying to seriously go blackwater.
What you would probably want to do is use around a little less than a tablespoon per gallon. Your water will tint a very slight tea color and your fish will show a noticeable increase in overall vitality.
Again, if you keep it light and slight you will never have any water chemistry problems or fluctuation issues. The idea isn't so much to change the pH itself but more to just add certain natural chemistry to the water that replicates the fishes' native conditions. That is the purpose of peat filtration when done in a mild, simple manner.