What Lowers kH and pH?

[aspguru]

I am trying to figure out why my kH and pH are so low. What is usually the factor in lowering kH and pH? I have a live plant in my 55. Could that be why? What usually causes this?

 

[fishboy]

Ph eventaully lowers itself over time because the mineral content lowers, so have you done water changes lately or topped of the tank???

 

[aspguru]

Oh yeah. Before I got this thing cycled, I did changes almost everyday, which was just this week.

 

[fishboy]

What is your PH and Kh of the tap water???

 

[aspguru]

I've never tested the kH but the pH is a good 6.5 to 7.0. Good quality.

 

[WonderFish]

If your tap water doesn't have a high KH (buffering capacity) the water will be more prone to fluctuations.  The buffering capacity of water kinda acts like a sponge.  It takes in any acids that are added to the water, keeping the pH stable.  Once the "sponge" is filled up, there is no longer anything to really keep the pH from changing.  So it could just be your tap water?  In water with a low KH doing regular water changes is essential to keep the pH from fluctuating.  Even small pH changes are very stressful to fish.  So test your pH to figure out the best time to do water changes.  And test the KH of your tap water.  Maybe it's low?  Since the pH is low, the KH probably is as well.  They're usually closly related in that way.