Ph drop

[artist55]

I have been doing water changes of 10 % once a week on Sundays in my 30G. The Ph seems to be ok after the change at 8.2 but as the week progresses, by the time I'm ready to do the next water change it has gone down to about 7.8. Any suggestions on how to fix this problem? The fish seem fine and are eating well but I know the Ph is low and there must be a reason for the drops. Thanks

 

[tatoush]

Make sure you are using RO water. If you only have the means to us tap then you can reduce major ph fluctuations by reducing the frequency of water changes to 10% every 2 weeks. I've even used proper ph before (prob not the greatest idea) and it did increase my ph by .2 JMO
Lev

 

[artist55]

Hi, I'm originally from Mass too, about 40 miles south of Boston. Anyway, I just didn't want to start dumping a bunch of chemicals in there if I didn't have to. I'm fairly new and I'm trying to be so careful. I do use RO water for my changes but the original fill was tap water.

 

[tatoush]

Good to see people from Mass on these boards, even if you dont live here now. I don't blame you for not wanting to add ..well...additives. I would just keep an eye on it. Even if the original was tap..things should balance out as the tank matures. Like I said earlier maybe do a change every other week. Fish should be fine with some fluctuation in the ph.

 

[dmjordan]

You should also check your calcium and alkalinity levels.

 

[alyssia]

Originally Posted by dmjordan
You should also check your calcium and alkalinity levels.
Yep, when your ph is off usually your alk and calcium is too.

 

[nereef]

do you have a closed top? carbon dioxide can lower pH.