Lowering PH

[z0phi3l]

I am currently seting up a 75E tank so that I may grow some plants and purchase some Apistos. Other than Chemicals what do you suggest that I use to soften the water and lower the PH. Is there a type of rock or wood ,etc. that I could use? I plan on having it heavily planted.

 

[Neil]

z0phi3l,

WELCOME TO THE FORUM

There are numerous ways to acidify your water, but there is also a correlation between the hardness (GH and KH) in the ability to get it and keep it down. This is most easily achieved via RO or DI. You can purchase water or purchase a unit, depending on your need and your current water values. Acicity (pH) can be lowered via certain leaves, wood, peat, tea, substrate, etc. For more information on the specifics, please do a search here under lowering pH, softening water, acidity, etc. I am sure you will find loads of info. This subject is important and has been discussed many, many times!

Neil

 

[fishboy20]

IMO it depends on what species you are thinking about getting. Not all apistos need to have water that is extremly soft. If you start with cacatuoides, agassizi, borellii (pH affects female:male ratio with this species), hongsloi, viejta and a few others, the water can even be slightly alkaline and they will still thrive and even spawn. A planted tank usually is softer with a lower pH, just from the plants being in there. If you are planning on a CO2 unit then, the pH will be even a little lower (make sure it isn't too low too fast however). With 6.7 being ideal for plants using a pH monitor to keep it constant (an expensive but wise investment when it comes to CO2 injection). Hope this helps, start with the easy to keep species and move on from there.

 

[aspen]

for the fish i have kept and spawned, (the 'easy' ones basically so far) i have mixed r/o with my tapwater to achieve the hardness i have wanted. using leaves, peat moss etc works MUCH better in soft water than hard. what you need to do will depend greatly on what water you are starting out with. what are the parms of your tapwater after aging?

rick