thanson

My pH comes out of the tap at 8.2 to 8.4. I use driftwood and I get it to 7.6 to 7.8.

How can I reduce it further. My fish seem to look ok and eat well and are always on the go.

I am wanting some Tiger Barbs to start another tank but the info I read says 6.8 to 7.0 for PH.

Thanks for the pointers

Shawnie

try some peat moss in the filter area.....or more driftwood with tannis in it

DrGueedo

Shawnie is right you can also use bottled water with the moss and drift wood to get it even lower (because bottled water usually has a PH of 7 which makes it neutral)

Shawnie

do it very very gradually tho..I just had a huge scare from my boyfriend trying to help with water changes..almost lost the african cichlid tank from such a fast ph drop ....

DrGueedo

yeah dont just change water all at once that is a no no!! just do something like 3/4 tap 1/4 bottled for a couple of water change then move to 1/2 and so on or do the moss or driftwood. just dont do all 3 at one....you may end up killing your fish...

thanson

just regular peat like I use in the garden?

jdhef

I don't know if regular garden peat is okay, but Fluval sells peat for it's cannister filters and that should work for you.

But I think you are worried over nothing. Most fish will have no trouble adapting to a ph between 6 and 8 or so. Rapid ph change is much more harmful than a steady ph that is not exactly in the range listed for a particular fish. I personally think for the most part (though ther are some exceptions for delicate fish) that ph is the most over rated concern.

suemvb

Your fish will do fine in your water as long as it is stable.

Regular peat moss from the garden store is fine just make sure nothing has been added to it. You will need to soak it an rinse it quite a bit to get the fine particles out. That's what I have done anyway.

aquarist48

Hello thanson. As Sue has mentioned, make sure there are no additives in the peat moss. It needs to be "organic" and it should state "organic" on the packaging. I've used it before and I purchased it from WalMart. It did fine. Place it in a mesh bag and add it to the filter or even hide it in your tank. Be prepared for the water to get a brownish tint. The tint can be removed with activated carbon over time.
Ken

TedsTank

If fall has reached your area, the fallen oak leaves are great to use too. They tint the water a nicer shade of brownish...lol
Really, oak leaves are wonderful to use....same as suggested above....put them in a bag and soak them in the tank. I soak them in a bucket til they sink, then drop them in an area of my tank...a very natural look. Great for species tanks (my use for them)

DrGueedo

I never heard that avout the oak leaf. It true that it would give a fall look to your tank (and they are no in short supply on my lawn having 3 100foot tall oak tree in my backyard) could you use some dried leaf to keep it up later during the season?

whisper

You can use Miracal Grow Organic peat moss. I get mine at Home Depot.

TedsTank

Yes the red and orange oak leaves can be kept in a large trash bag. Curled ones look cool in the tank in a clump (soak then til they sink and will hold their shape)...small fish love them to hide in and have tannins that release slow....get the fall drops...the colors are have nice tannins.. after a couple months they start turning black...take them out before they come apart and add some fresh ones....like you need to do with peat moss.
They can make your tank look like a slow stream or lake bottom. with driftwood and rocks.

DrGueedo

Wow thanks sorry i stole part of the thread but that is an awesome tip there!! and it easy and free!! thanks!!