griffrat

Greetings all!!

My pH has been steady at 7.4-7.6 (using the API freshwater master kit) for the last two months and all the fish are doing great. With that in mind I would like to lower it a little bit to the 6.0-7.0 area of pH. My plan is to get some coconut shells and some driftwood.

I know from different readings that driftwood will reduce the pH level. But what about coconut shells? One of the main reasons I am really keen on the coconut shells is that they are relatively small and extremely affordable. In fact I would rather go with more coconut shells as opposed to the a single large chunk of driftwood.

Thoughts, suggestions and comments are welcome

Red1313

Hmm... can't say that I've ever heard of using coconut shells but why do you want to lower your pH? Most fish are adaptable to pH. If you're trying to lower it for plants I've heard that adding CO2 to your water will decrease your pH. However some of the more experianced fish keepers should be here to help you out soon.

Butterfly

That level is fine for plants and most fish. Why do you want to lower the PH (just curious).
I have heard of using coconut shells for caves but I have no Idea how fast the biodegrade.
carol

griffrat

The main reason is that with the pH being so close to eight I am concerned about exceeding the tolerance that most fish have for water quality. Before getting this tank the last fish that I kept was back in the mid eighties and it was a 10 gallon tank. Not to mention that I was spending parents money. Now I care about the fish and it is my money. Not that the money is the main issue (even though it is) it is more about the quality of the fish's life in the new home.