Question about PH additives

Nishi621 · 04/23/2007, 03:40 PM

We have a 30 gallon freshwater tank that has been active for years. Recently-we have been having acidity issues with it and when my hubby tests the water-the PH level is bad. We see all of these things at the pet stores that say it will bring the PH in your tank up to 7 in a flash.

First of all, do they really work? And, secondly, if they do work, wouldn't that be bad for the tank? I mean, too quick of a change? Thanks!

Nishi621 · 04/23/2007, 03:46 PM

Oh-I just realized this is a saltwater environment-I hope someone can help anyway!

MusMusculus · 04/23/2007, 04:07 PM

There are plenty of pH buffers for freshwater out there, but I suspect your tank's root problem is that it is either overstocked or just has a large organics buildup (usually in the gravel) that is causing it to drift acidic. I would do a good cleaning of the tank--but remember that you may kill off some bacteria so watch out for an ammonia spike. The buffers would just temporarily disguise the problem.

Alternatively, your tap water could be acidic and fairly unbuffered. Easy enough to test at an LFS (sorry, Local Fish Store).

Edit: And welcome to Reef Central!

04/23/2007, 03:40 PM	#1
Nishi621 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 2	Question about PH additives We have a 30 gallon freshwater tank that has been active for years. Recently-we have been having acidity issues with it and when my hubby tests the water-the PH level is bad. We see all of these things at the pet stores that say it will bring the PH in your tank up to 7 in a flash. First of all, do they really work? And, secondly, if they do work, wouldn't that be bad for the tank? I mean, too quick of a change? Thanks!

04/23/2007, 03:46 PM	#2
Nishi621 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Posts: 2	Oh-I just realized this is a saltwater environment-I hope someone can help anyway!

04/23/2007, 04:07 PM	#3
MusMusculus Premium Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Lansing, MI Posts: 210	There are plenty of pH buffers for freshwater out there, but I suspect your tank's root problem is that it is either overstocked or just has a large organics buildup (usually in the gravel) that is causing it to drift acidic. I would do a good cleaning of the tank--but remember that you may kill off some bacteria so watch out for an ammonia spike. The buffers would just temporarily disguise the problem. Alternatively, your tap water could be acidic and fairly unbuffered. Easy enough to test at an LFS (sorry, Local Fish Store). Edit: And welcome to Reef Central!