ACID and such

[aquatic-store]

A long time ago on a discus forum i read something about an acid that was cheap for changing PH. Anyone have a link or idea what it was?

 

[Gomer]

there are several cheap acids...but I don't know what wouldbe safe.

Acetic acid (Vinegar): should be safe..but no thank you
Muriotic acid (HCl...if you con't mind addind chloride,this should be fine...you can get it at pool or concrete places)
Sulphuric acid (H2SO4 I think this is the safest..not sure where you would get it..but it is common. Actually some "pickling agents" used in jewlerly is just the dry analog of it)
Phosphoric acid (extremely common in industry...but I wouldn't want to add phosphates)

 

[AndyL]

Muriatic acid is the one most commonly used... Its available at any home improvement store usually in the flooring section (its used to strip/clean concrete)

Andy

 

[aquatic-store]

Thats what it was, does anyone have any idea of potency and such?

Thanks

 

[AndyL]

For that you're going to need to test in your own tanks... A lot of it has to do specifically with the buffering capacity of your water.

Just use an empty 5-10g and add a little bit at a time (those seachem measuring pipettes are perfect for this kind of thing) And work out ratios yourself... By using the 5/10g tank you'll find its simple multiplication to figure out how much to add to most tanks.

Andy

 

[Gomer]

or you can go through all the fun equalibrium calculations

 

[aquatic-store]

Thanks everyone