krsbuilt

I have a minor delima, my normal range pH test kit from my API master test kit is reading bogus answers. My water is extremely alkaline (8.6 out of the tap, I use well water) but that's not the problem... I made a peat moss filter to filter the water through before I put it in the tank and I do a pH test. The problem is is that my standar pH test kit says its above 7.6 and the high range says its below 7.4. I know the high range is working because I test my tank with it and it says 8.6. I tried filtering a glass of water throug the filter 4 times and it still says the same thing... Any help would be apreciated...

Tigerfishy

I know some things can alter pH, perhaps the peat moss is affecting and lowering it? I'm sorry I'm not much help, but maybe someone else could help out now your post is bumped up a bit!

Edit: Bingo, got it! I googled it for you and from this site (scroll down to Lowering pH section) http://freshaquarium.about.com/cs/wa.../a/mathcph.htm
"Lowering pH
Lowering pH is not as easy as raising it. Filtering over peat moss is the method of choice. It is continuous and relatively easy to do. The use of bogwood to decorate the aquarium has a similar effect, although it's not as easy to maintain as using peat moss in the filter."
So peat moss does affect the pH and lower it!

aquarist48

Hello KRS.

Tigerfishy is correct. Peat moss will lower your pH over time. Too, here is a link on pH you may find helpful:
Properly Maintaining the pH in a Freshwater Aquarium - Rate My Fish Tank
Ken

jdhef

I think everyone missed what you were trying to say. Basically the high range ph test is telling him that his ph is lower than what the test tests for which is below 7.4. But the standard test is saying it is above 7.6.

I'm not sure why this is happening, but if I had to take a guess at what your ph really is I'd guess about 7.5. My thinking being that near the extreme edge of the test range there is probably some color ambiguity.