pH: store = 7.6...my tank = 6.2

Y

yv1

Registered Member
Apr 5, 2007
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Hi,

I have had my tank for about 4 months now with no residents, just live plants..my pH is extremely low.

I just bought some fish and I tested their waer and their pH is extremely high.

I am afraid of acclimating them too quickly so I am dripping water from the tank into the bags....very very slowly.

Any other suggestions? I read somewhere I can do the "treat and dump" method using Amquel...would this help?
Thanks for any help!
 
I think the drip method is good. I would avoid using chemicals to adjust your PH.
 
I wouldn't use this threat and dump method you mention.

First of all, what pH is your tap water? If it's higher than your tank, which I'm sure it is, you can to a partial water change to bring the pH up a bit. You can also add baking soda.

I like the drip acclimatization method the best. It's when you use a piece of airline tubing to slowly drip tank water into a bucket where you're holding the fish. Do it over many hours. When you're ready to add the fish, then you can float them in the tank to equalize the temperature (if necessary) then it should be good to go.

Maybe also add crushed coral to your filter to buffer your water.
 
may i ask what fish? Some fish are weaker to ph swings therefor need a slower method to change ph like slowly buffering the water etc. Other fish might do fine.
 
First welcome to AC :D

A slow acclimation would be best. Large swings in pH can be harmful to most of the hardiest fish.

Call the LFS and ask what their pH is. 7.6 is a little high, but the more info the better :)

Checking you tap is a great idea as well. It would be nice to know if there is something in your tank lowering the pH first. Personally, I would caution against using chemicals to alter your pH; finding the cause would prove much more beneficial. Regardless, once ajusted, most fish do very well with in a wide range of pH.

EDIT: Hey I just read this thread. It may be useful to you: http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=104607
 
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i dont think you need to change the tanks ph, a ph of 6.4 is fine and actually great for most tetras and stuff. Just do a long drip acclimate, 1 drop per second, have it done for a few hours. Ive heard people do 1 drop per 2 second and have it done for 24 hours although that is a bit of an overkill.

Well you posted this yesterday, so im guessing the fish is in your tank, how is it going?
 
if no waters changes have been done in the 4 months, the ph could have dropped anyway.
remember when checking tap water it needs to stand for a day or be aerated to get the proper ph reading.
 
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