Trying To Get The PH Up From 6.0 To ~6.8

[wZcpp]

Hi,

I've had my 29G tank for a while. Unfortunately, I didn't have time during the last few months to take proper care of my tank. But I do now. That being said, my water pH is sitting at 6.0. Even after doing a 20% water change, the pH stays at 6.0 after a 24 hour period. My tap water is at 6.8.

Details of my tank:
29g
HOB AquaClear 70 filter
Flourite+playsand substrate, 3 pieces of driftwood
Used to have live plants, but only 2 plants, and java moss still alive.
Fishes: 1 large angel, 1 clown loach (the other died recently =( ), 1 otto (out of 4, it's somehow alive even after the others died 8 months ago.)

Levels:
pH: 6.0
Ammonia: 0
Nitrate: less than 5ppm

I've read this article: Old Tank Syndrome

So far, I haven't had any outbreaks of any disease. The other loach started eating again after 2 days of it's partner's death. I have cleaned up all remaining plant debris and change the filter parts.

My ammonia was 0 before I had any mechanical filtration and from the levels of ammo, nitrite, and nitrate, I'd say my tank is cycled.

So how can I raise my pH. I'm afraid if I introduce new fish, either they will die, or release toxins due to being stressed and kill my existing fishes. My tank water's pH is too different than that of my LFS.

I have done 3 25% water change, 3 days in a row. The pH may have come up. The yellow looks more pale, maybe edging towards a green.

I'd like to know if I'm following the right path?
What else can I do that's safe and slow? I don't want a fast solution that can kill my fishes or make the water unstable.

I eventually plan to replant the tank once the pH stabilizes. Then a month after, I plan to add T5HO and a Co2 system (not-DIY). When I add the Co2 later, the low kH will result in pH swings which can kill the fish. A higher kH should result in higher pH. My current kH is 0-2. Tap water kH is 4-8.

Also, no chemical/sodium bicarbonate solutions please. I know that's a temporary fix.

Thanks.

 

[KcMopar]

Anything you do is temporary as you will be changing water every week or two. First take out the drift wood as it will lower pH. You will HAVE to dose your tank to raise the pH. The best way IMHO is to start out with one teaspoon of sodium bicarbonate and one table spoon of magnesium sulfate (Epsom salt) to each gallon (adjust as needed with water changes). You need the mag to act as a buffer so your pH stays up, with out the mag your sodium bicarb dose is short lived. Also if you have fish that have ALL scales you can also us a teaspoon of Instant Ocean (for making saltwater) per two gallons and this will further act as a buffer to help maintain steady pH. You will want a salinity tester if doing this to ensure you salt level stays under 1.002.
What fish are you going to get that will not live in a pH of 6.0? Any fish you get from the local should do just fine in a pH of 6.0. Just be sure to properly acclimate and you will be golden!! My local has water that is far different then mine 6.2 and mine is 8.2 by the method above and I acclimate over an hours time and do not have any problem.
I would recommend not using the above direction to raise the pH and buffers unless you are well seasoned. Your pH is just fine.
How long has your tank been up and what is the nitrate level. If you do not have nitrate your tank is not cycled yet.

 

[lauraf]

Your pH may also be lower in your tank because of neglect. Over time the organic waste causes a pH drop. But I agree with KcMopar - fish will adjust to most reasonable pH levels, so don't fret too much about it. Better to be concerned about overall water quality - i.e., ammonia, nitrite, nitrate.

 

[metsrangersfan15]

you said you did a water change, but did you vacuum the gravel? decaying waste and food causes pH to drop, and if you havent vacuumed in a while, that could easily be the cause

 

[Persistency]

I have a similar question, but about lowering pH. The water from my tap must be alkaline, because my pH has always stayed steady at 8.2. I don't think it's every really been a problem, but I was wondering if I should try to lower it, and how I'd go about doing that.

 

[Thyra]

I would not try to lower your pH. You will probably wind up chasing it and causing more stress to the fish by doing so with all the changes. My water is at least 8.2 - maybe a little higher and it has caused no problems.

 

[KcMopar]

Its best to leave it alone and be sure to acclimate your new pets to it slowly.