You can reduce pH by adding CO2.
or
(*) You can add a small bag of peat in the filter to acidify the water.
Some of pH down additives I have tried had dilute Sulphuric acid in them. Acetic acid also works (Synthetic Vinegar). The pH will return slowly back to its original levels.
Get your water tested for KH and GH. High hardness may be the problem. You can reduce these by adding RO water or distilled water (I use a solar distiller).
If you have a cannister filter, the pH will slowly go down in time as the organic matter builds up in the filter media.
(*) - My choice to try first!
2006-06-27 02:32:16
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answer #1
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answered by Raj 4
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You're water is too alkaline, and you want it to be more acidic. Whatever you use, do not use baking soda - which is akaline, that will only increase the overall pH. You could use salt - which is an acidic, to bring it down, but I'd do it carefully and with a pH meter.
Letting the water stand for hours is a good way to settle the pH. Or, I would look online and see what you can buy. When I had a large tank, I usually let the water sit for 24 hours, and then used a tap water conditioner.
2006-06-27 02:17:14
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answer #2
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answered by anywhoohb 2
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Distilled vinegar, or soda water will work. Baking soda will work by it has other consequences. Be sure to do the PH changes over a matter of weeks as going from 8.1 to 7.1 is a big jump.
Note that I use a little bottle stuff I bought at the store as it's cheaper and easier to use than anything else I've read about or tried. It's pricey on a volume scale, but cheaper in the long run.
2006-06-27 07:10:54
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answer #3
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answered by Sabersquirrel 6
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Cichilids thrive well in a higher PH range,I do worry some about the other fish,however you say they have been doing well for 3 months. Leave well enough alone,until you need to make changes.My tap water is in the same range as yours,I have reduced the ph slowly by mixing 25% distilled water with my tap water to each gallon.I use a ph stabilizer with each water change,my ph stays steadily around 6.9 to 7.I also use Easy Balance which provides vitamins and trace elements,and minerals. Everyone has what seems to work for them, and this is only one of many,but I have had great results. Goodluck to you and your fish :)
2006-06-27 02:49:37
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answer #4
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answered by me 3
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I think if i remember correctly i used to use baking soda....put a little in with a pH tester see if it goes up or down....i can't remember.....couldn't find anything on the net about it...I do remember slate is a good way to keep ammonia down.
If the baking soda works...be sure to mix well before adding to the tank...i would prolly mix in a gallon jug to the ph the fish require then do 10% water change first month then 1% every month after
2006-06-27 01:56:59
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answer #5
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answered by shift_redline 2
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Many ways, easiest is to buy a proprietry chemical to alter the ph up or down, then test it. Salt doesn't alter the pH but does act as an antiseptic. Baking soda will raise the pH (Make it more alkaline) and phosphoric acid will lower it (making it more acidic), vinegar can be used in small proportions, but personally what i do is filter it through garden peat, which also adds blackwater extract to the water.
2006-06-27 02:41:55
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answer #6
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answered by Ray KS 3
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They probably have adapted to it. I have found that the more you mess with the water, the more problems you will have. I can suggest using something called Cycle though. It reduces the need to change the water because it gets rid of the nitrates using good bacteria.
2006-06-27 02:03:21
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answer #7
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answered by KathyS 7
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the best remedy is salt, my daddy used salt in his fishtank and nothing else and his fish thrived, but before you change the water let the water stand for at least 24 hours then you. When I was breeding for the pet shops I never used any fancy medicines only salt and when I changed my water I made sure that the water that I used stood for at least 48 hours.
Please whatever you do do not put your fish in water that hasn't stood you will kill the lot of them!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
2006-06-27 01:36:59
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answer #8
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answered by Anonymous
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in Jeffreys Bay (South Africa) our tapwater has a pH of 9!
don't worry about bringing the pH down, your fish will adapt to it.
good luck with your fish!
2006-06-27 01:36:41
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answer #9
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answered by � Fuzzy Dice 5
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