Lowering/maintaining pH for Taeniatus?

[Tom2100]

Hi

The tap water in my area (in the UK) is hard 180ppm and the pH is around 7.2.

I have some Taeniatus Dehane arriving early next week. What is the best method to lower the pH? Will they live and grow in the current water conditions?

I do not like using chemicals to alter the water conditions. What methods do you guys use?

Many thanks

Tom

 

[Randall]

Softening and acidifing water

Hello Tom,

Well, an RO unit is probably the simplest way to soften and acidify your water. A mix of, say, 75% RO filtered water to 25% tap water should be ideal for your Pelvicachromis taeniatus. Another, but somewhat more involved, method is using peat moss. Tap water in a dedicated holding recepticle can be treated with peat moss (either through filtration or letting bagged peat moss sit in it for a few days) and used to perform water changes. Given the hardness of your tap water, however, you will need to use a lot of peat moss to achieve optimum results.

Please conduct a forum search using the keywords "peat" and "peat moss." This subject has come up many times before.

Good luck!

Randall Kohn