how to lower pH

[Ghazanfar Ghori]

Besides using peat in a bag, how can I lower the pH in my tanks?
I found some sources of humic acid - will that work? Can I make my
own by boiling peat for a while and using that as an additive?
I want to lower the pH yet not have to deal with peat directly. Any ideas?

 

[mk_ultra]

This is a great product I use and it keeps my locked on to 6. Mind you i only used peat to layer the bottom of the tank during setup. And I have 1 large piece of driftwood.

I use Acid Buffer by Seachem. It contains no phosphate buffers which makes it great for planted tanks. It also is suppose to convert KH into CO2. I know that my PH is 6 with a KH of 1 if that.

 

[2la]

Is CO2 injection a possibility? You could also try a fresh piece of driftwood or one of the proprietary blackwater extracts available.

 

[Ghazanfar Ghori]

No CO2 - this is for 10G tanks in my fishroom. I need to get the pH
down to 4 in some cases.

 

[tjudy]

I use Acid Buffer, but it will increase the conductivity of the water. I tthink that it is a 'false reading', however, meaning that it is not addingf salts that actually increase the hardness. After a few hours the mS value goes back down. You can try adding Acid Buffer to water that you are aging if you are worried about an immediate increase in conductivity.

 

[Randall]

Lowering pH

...this is for 10G tanks in my fishroom. I need to get the pH
down to 4 in some cases.

Dear Ghazanfar,

Buffers and the like notwithstanding, the best natural way to soften water and lower pH is through peat conditioning. I recommend that you treat in a separate recepticle and use the conditioned water to perform your water changes. This will lower your pH gradually, and you'll have the parameters you want in no time at all.

Good luck!

Randall Kohn

 

[Neil]

If 4.0 is the intended pH, you will need to chemically "drive the pH down. Peat won't accomplish that result. Acid Buffer is probably going to be needed. About 5.5 and above is closer to the area that peat is effective. At least that is what I have found.
Neil

 

[Ghazanfar Ghori]

Thats for the replies guys! I think I'll go with Seachem Acid Buffer.

Just out of curiousty - how long does peat remain effective in
lowing the pH?

 

[Vincent Lam]

I'm using ADA Amazonia Aqua Soil for my tank! This soil is quite good and natural. It always keep in Ph & kh low. In Asia, most people are using that! check below for your reference.

http://www.aquagoods.com/see.php3?Code=104-021

 

[Ghazanfar Ghori]

I don't think we get ADA products in the US. Anyway, I got SeaChem
Acid buffer and its lowering the pH. It consumes KH so I have
to be careful or I may get a pH crash.

 

[Scooter]

You can also lower the pH significantly by using only RO water and RO Right buffer. I don't think you will be able to get it down to 4.0 that way, but for those tanks where you only need to get it down a couple of points, you can.

 

[Vincent Lam]

Have you ever try the Plam Husk? Try natural product (materials) It made water low PH too! http://www.aquagoods.com/see.php3?Code=105-012 I think you guys can contact ADA Europe Co. for shipment!