Ph 6.0!

G

guppygal

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Jun 30, 2006
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Uh oh, I just test this morning and my ph in my 5 gal is 6.0! How do I bring it back up slowly? What would cause it to drop so much (the cycle?)?

Ammonia 0
Nitrite 0
Nitrate 0
Just did a 10% wc yesterday.
3 Julii Cory (in qt until they can go into the 10g)
Reg tap ph is around 6.8/7.0 - can't really tell the color
My other tank (the 10g) ph is 6.8 -- 3 guppies

Other info: I did just clean all the decorations and gravel so the tank is probably in a mini-cycle (filter wasn't touched).

The cories seem ok - do I need to be worried???? Should I pull them out and put them in the 10g with the 6.8 ph????
 
There isnt any new driftwood in the tank? That may have caused it.

I am curious about this question myself, if someone can answer it. My newly setup tank has the same 6.0 reading but my tap is 8.0!
 
debaric said:
There isnt any new driftwood in the tank? That may have caused it.

I am curious about this question myself, if someone can answer it. My newly setup tank has the same 6.0 reading but my tap is 8.0!
Click to expand...

No driftwood.

To test the ph in tap water ... do you need to let the water sit out or can you test it right away. When I tested it right away I got the 6.8/7.0 reading.
 
Well, I've been doing more research on the Cory's - I think I have Corydoras trilineatus and not the Julii. And I found out that a low ph is fine for them. It may actually induce spawning! Yikes - I don't need to have issue yet!

I would still like some info on why ph drops.

Thanks!
 
Insufficient buffering capacity (hardness) can cause a pH crash. To determine what kind of buffering capacity you have, run a GH/KH test. (Either at a LFS, or buy a good kit.)

SirWired
 
SirWired said:
Insufficient buffering capacity (hardness) can cause a pH crash. To determine what kind of buffering capacity you have, run a GH/KH test. (Either at a LFS, or buy a good kit.)

SirWired
Click to expand...

I actually tested the KH and it is very low - for the API test - I got one drop in and it turned yellow

What do I do?
 
so would adding crushed coral to the filter solve the problem or would that just be masking it. This is assuming of course that you have little buffering. What kind of impact would that have on a ph of 6.0?
 
I personally don't think the pH is very important and I hate playing around with the water parameters unless there is a problem. Your fish seems to be fine so why tamper with it? I don't advise using any of the products to raise pH.

The kH buffers your pH from changes, the more kH you have the more resilient to a drop in pH due to acids (CO2, nitrous acid from the nitrogen cycle, acids released from organic breakdown) being introduced to the water. kH can be raised by adding crushed coral or baking soda. The crushed coral method will have a more lasting effect as it slowly desintigrates, baking soda you'll have to routinely add with your water changes. Traditionally, most people recommended a kH of around 3 or higher.
 
phanmc said:
I personally don't think the pH is very important and I hate playing around with the water parameters unless there is a problem. Your fish seems to be fine so why tamper with it? I don't advise using any of the products to raise pH.

The kH buffers your pH from changes, the more kH you have the more resilient to a drop in pH due to acids (CO2, nitrous acid from the nitrogen cycle, acids released from organic breakdown) being introduced to the water. kH can be raised by adding crushed coral or baking soda. The crushed coral method will have a more lasting effect as it slowly desintigrates, baking soda you'll have to routinely add with your water changes. Traditionally, most people recommended a kH of around 3 or higher.
Click to expand...

Hey phanmc - so, should I leave well enough alone or add crushed coral (I assume I can find this at either Petsmart or Petco). Anyone???
 
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