joules

I checked my ph level in my tank for the first time and it was 7.6, I know that 7 is neutral, but is 7.6 ok? How do you lower the level?

newbie101

One could lower the pH with a chemical you add, like pH Up, pH Down, Bullseye 7.0 (they make this in several different pH values, like 8.2, 5.8, etc.).* But you probably shouldn't, as this will make the pH fluctuate too fast, and this can stress your fish and make them sick.* Your pH should be fine.* A stable pH is (within limits, you wouldn't keep, say, mollies in a pH of 4...) more important than the pH itself.* My pH is 8.0, my tap water is 7.8 out of the tap

Gunnie

Well done Emma! Unless your fish are wild caught or the ph in the tank they came from is significantly different from yours, the ph should be fine. You can usually take a little more time in acclimating them by floating the bag, and then adding tank water to the bag every 15 or 30 minutes for a few hours to help them adjust.

joules

newbie101

yeah, that's the best thing to do, plus you don't want to be dumping a ton of chemicals in your tank

joules

Thanks for the help......

Jon

btw what type of fish do you have? certain fish like different ph's so 7.6 could be ideal... i wouldnt alter it even if you had fish that preferred lower pH like tetras and such but just out of curiosity what is in the tank?

0morrokh

7.6 is better than a lot of people's tap water (including mine :P). Don't mess with it, chemicals are probably more harmful to fish than a slightly less than ideal pH. Remember that the fish store has the same water as you do, so the fish are already acclimated somewhat. In my opinion, pH is not really all that important.

joules

Jon

tetras prefer slightly acidic water like 6.5 but 7.6 will be fine if you just keep it steady.. gl wit ure fish

vin

Sometimes having an airstone in the tank will help to lower the pH because it causes the water to 'gas out' evenly. Also, having live plants in your tank will help the pH as well.

0morrokh

Actually I'm pretty sure having an air stone will raise the pH.
Your fish will be fine as long as the pH remains stable.

vin

Actually the more you agitate water, the better your ability stabilize your pH. Mine is 7.0 out of the tap and I have an airstone. My pH is a steady 7.0.