Keeping a stable pH

[fishfreak1242]

My pH hasnt been very stable lately. It has been varying between 7.8-8.6 over the past week. What can I add to my tank to my it stabler or to adjust it to make it higher and lower? Right now my tank is a 55 gal with about 80 lbs of LR and 30lbs LS.

 

[opthomas]

Have you measured your alkalinity? It might be low. Its sometimes referred to as a buffer. One of the main chemicals in these reactions is Carbonate. Basically the carbonate can react with acids or bases without greatly increasing or decreasing your pH.

 

[fishfreak1242]

Srry, but I dont have a alkalinity test. Where can i buy this carbonate?

 

[opthomas]

My LFS will do alkalinity for me if I bring in a water sample. You can get buffering chemicals there or on this site as well(I saw Kent Pro Buffer DKH). I haven't had to buy any so I can't give you any personal experience on it.