- Messages
- 25
- Location
- Waterford, MI
To all,
I have a question about lowering the pH and the kH. I have a few tanks full of apistos right now. They have been up and running for a few months. The problem that I am having is that the pH seems to not want to come down. I have two 20L with play sand as the substrate, 1 10G with no bottom substrate, 2 10g with small gravel, and a 20H with play sand. The water params seem to be the same for all the tanks so I doubt that any of the sand, gravel etc is the problem. All of the tanks are currently tea-colored due to wood, oak leaves, and the blackwater extract. I have refrained from peat and would like to continue to do so. The tap water here has a very high kH (like 13 degrees). I use just RO for the tanks and I get it from the local store). The tanks have a gH of 2 degrees and a kH of 4 degrees (i don't understand that either) but the pH remains at roughly 7-7.5. I would like to get some Dicrossus but need help with the pH. I know it may be frowned upon but would it be safe to use an acid in the water storage containers to lower the pH and then add it in a day or two?
Can I premix the water with Muriatic Acid? Wil lthis be safe for the fish if done properly. Are there specific directions I should follow to do so? Does the water require something as a buffer to prevent pH swings? I apologize for the ignorance and welcome all the information. Thank you.
Brad
I have a question about lowering the pH and the kH. I have a few tanks full of apistos right now. They have been up and running for a few months. The problem that I am having is that the pH seems to not want to come down. I have two 20L with play sand as the substrate, 1 10G with no bottom substrate, 2 10g with small gravel, and a 20H with play sand. The water params seem to be the same for all the tanks so I doubt that any of the sand, gravel etc is the problem. All of the tanks are currently tea-colored due to wood, oak leaves, and the blackwater extract. I have refrained from peat and would like to continue to do so. The tap water here has a very high kH (like 13 degrees). I use just RO for the tanks and I get it from the local store). The tanks have a gH of 2 degrees and a kH of 4 degrees (i don't understand that either) but the pH remains at roughly 7-7.5. I would like to get some Dicrossus but need help with the pH. I know it may be frowned upon but would it be safe to use an acid in the water storage containers to lower the pH and then add it in a day or two?
Can I premix the water with Muriatic Acid? Wil lthis be safe for the fish if done properly. Are there specific directions I should follow to do so? Does the water require something as a buffer to prevent pH swings? I apologize for the ignorance and welcome all the information. Thank you.
Brad