How to up PH

[adams]

Hello,
Just been to pets at home for a water test and ready to get my fish after a week of having Cleaner Shrimp in, tank has been running for about 5-6 weeks and everything was going fine.
I got knocked back as my PH was too low apparently, he didn't tell me much, so what should my PH be and how to I lower my PH and UP it?
thanks,

 

[btldreef]

Originally Posted by AdamS
http:///forum/post/3219580
Hello,
Just been to pets at home for a water test and ready to get my fish after a week of having Cleaner Shrimp in, tank has been running for about 5-6 weeks and everything was going fine.
I got knocked back as my PH was too low apparently, he didn't tell me much, so what should my PH be and how to I lower my PH and UP it?
thanks,
Firstly, I would wait more than a week after starting a new tank and leaving some CUC members in before I added a fish. You might want to add some more CUC members (some snails would be really good) see how they go, then add a fish.
Anyways, if you're going to have your own tank, you need to be testing your own water. GET A TEST KIT!
As for pH, you want it to be in the 8.0-8.4 range. I prefer my tank at about 8.2ish
You usually can fix your pH by doing water changes.

 

[adams]

I do water changes but I feel as though its not making a difference, how much you recommend to take out of a 58 litre tank?

 

[firefightremtp]

Originally Posted by AdamS
http:///forum/post/3219976
I do water changes but I feel as though its not making a difference, how much you recommend to take out of a 58 litre tank?
depends on how often you change your water, and it depends on how bad your water parameters are. Normally, 10% is a good rule of thumb if you do a WC every week or two. If your ammonia or nitrates or anything get really high, consider doing 25-30% WC.
When you do a water change, what type of water are you using to create you saltwater? (ie, tap water, ro/di water)
~grace

 

[adams]

I use RO and Ready Salt water from Pets at home,
I've just done a Broad Range PH test and the water colour is a little lighter (blue) then the reading on the card (8.5) which indicates lower than 8.5 but not 7(Green) would you say that is ok to get fish or not?

 

[gmann1139]

1. Get a "high" pH test. Those broad range aren't precise enough.
2. Get an alkalinity test kit. Alk is the horse, pH is the cart. You need to know what your alk is before you do anything else.

 

[firefightremtp]

Originally Posted by gmann1139
http:///forum/post/3219991
1. Get a "high" pH test. Those broad range aren't precise enough.
2. Get an alkalinity test kit. Alk is the horse, pH is the cart. You need to know what your alk is before you do anything else.

+1
A good test kit is absolutely worth the investment.
You should know that RO water have a very low pH. There a products you can add to up your pH known as buffers.
As far as fish, I would def wait a little. If you rush you will most likely wasting money when fish die. The next step for you is a good test kit. I know this is probably the last thing you wanted to hear, but it will be worth it in the end.
~grace

 

[posiden]

I agree with what has been said above. Wait on the fish, the tank is not ready. Get your self a good test kit.
How long was the water in a jar before you got it the store to have them test it?
Do you run a skimmer?
How is the surface agitation?
Do you have a top on your tank?
Ect..............
Lot of things play a role in PH issues. We can all assume what the problem is by guessing what your doing wrong. Hard info is needed to help you resolve the problem. Your gonna need reef tests so your can know what the alk is in your tank. If you don't step up and get what you need your gonna have an even more difficult time in this hobby.
I wish you the best of luck.