Low Ph

[bubblecandy]

I had great Ph but now it's getting down pretty low somewhere around a 6.8 or lower. I do have drift wood but I'm not exactly if this is the complete cause but anyways I have read that crushed sea coral or oyster shell are great for bringing the Ph back up... what you do you think? I would really like to stay away from using chemicals.

 

[f8fan]

Are your fish showing any signs of suffering due to the ph? I would read Orion's sticky up above and not worry about adjusting ph - stability is the key. My 55 gallon community tank is 6.8 and they are all thriving and healthy.
And don't add any ph up or ph down! You will just be kissing your $$ away and harming your fish. Really, give Orion's sticky a read I'm sure it will alleviate your concerns. Too much is made about the ph of aquarium water IMO.

 

[Leopardess]

6.8 is almost ideal for most freshwater (non cichlid) species. Unless your tap water has a very high pH and you are finding that it is crashing, don't worry about it.

 

[Lotus]

It's probably your driftwood bringing the pH down. The only thing you need to watch for is if you do large water changes when the pH had dropped a lot. More, smaller water changes will be better until the driftwood stops leaching.

 

[bubblecandy]

well my guys do look healthy and colorful. I jus wasn't sure. I have had deaths already so.. I guess I was just freaking out.

I read that sticky and it was somewhat helpful but ya know -paranoid.