Is there an alterative ph up,down method other than using chemicals?

Question

My freind has a new fish tank and we are just wondering if there is an alternative to buying expensive ph chemicals in the shops to alter his ph levels.thanks Brendan

Thanks guys, we will try the driftwood and limestone thing.It's stable for now and the convict cichlids weve introduced ..dont apear to be dieing :P infact theyre eating and doing well,much appreciated,from Brendan

Answer 1

First, determine what pH your fish do best at. (This DOES make a difference, especially with tetras and corys.) Then test the water source, as adjusted bad water tends to 'rebound' back toward it's original state. Then determine if your gravel or rocks are buffering the pH. If that is the case, remove them and replace with non-reactive gravel and rocks. Then watch for overfeeding, and for dead plants and animals, as that can lower pH more than you might think. If the water source itself is the problem, try testing different sources until you find the closest one suited to your fish's requirements. Then use that source from then on. Driftwood can be risky if it isn't tested first, but what are going to be the test subjects?
Limestone will raise pH, but it also raises calcium/magnesium hardness. Sodium bicarbonate raises pH, but also raises sodium levels. Getting it right from the beginning is the best answer for frail, or finicky fish.

This, by the way, is an excellent question. Maybe YOU should be keeping the fish, instead of your friend. You seem to be more concerned about this than your friend!

Answer 2

As fivespeed said, you generally don't want to change your pH, but if you want some natural ways to alter your pH without shocking your fish, you can try coral, or any other calcium based substances like shells to raise your pH. To lower your pH, driftwood, peat moss, and most other natural compounds (containing carbon) are pretty efficient. Email me if you have any questions.

Nosoop4u

Answer 3

Unless you are keeping discus or apistograms, or maybe a few other sensitive tetras, etc, then there is no reason to adjust your pH. Your fish are much better off having a stable pH than one that is correct, but is difficult to maintain. Email me if you have any questions.

Answer 4

You can raise PH, hince lower ammonia by adding a small amount of baking soda to the water. Of course add slowly, small amounts and give it a few minutes then test again, that way you can watch the levels, a drastic change fast can be harmful to the fish.

Answer 5

employing a vulnerable acid, like white vinegar, could maximum suitable it. besides the undeniable fact that, you additionally can purchase ideal pH'd water on the keep. additionally they sell small risk-free-fish vials of pH adjustors, at the same time with "ph Down" or "pH Up".

Answer 6

you can ph down with driftwood and ph up with limestone