Freshwater Aquarium Help! Ph

The Fish Tankist · Mar 18, 2021

Hi all,

I have used reef2reef for my saltwater aquarium issues and I know you guys are very helpful. Does anyone know why Ph in an African Cichlid tank would drop from 7.8 to 6.6 within a few days. I didn't change anything other than doing a water change. I use well-water that is normally around 7.6 and have some crushed coral running. Any suggestions on how to bring the Ph up at a reasonable speed? I have already lost 3 fish and I really need help. Thanks.

lapin · Mar 18, 2021

Baking soda. Mix with water first.
Recipe #1 Just the calcium part
www.thereefuge.com/threads/randys-recipe-maintaining-calcium-alkalinity-and-magnesium.376/

redfishbluefish · Mar 18, 2021

Well Water....Water Change. These two words made the bell go off in my head....ding, ding, ding, ding. Many folks who have wells have a high carbon dioxide concentration, which causes for an acidic pH. This can typically be "fixed" by aerating the water for a day, driving off the carbon dioxide. Carbon Dioxide is easily tested by drawing a fresh sample of water, measuring the pH and now aerating or allowing it to sit overnight and measuring pH again. If CO2 is present, you'll see a pH rise.

If you did a water change with fresh drawn water (that contained CO2), it was acidic. Also note that pure water is not buffered and easily swings from acid to base by whatever contaminants are in there.

The Fish Tankist · Mar 19, 2021

redfishbluefish said:
Well Water....Water Change. These two words made the bell go off in my head....ding, ding, ding, ding. Many folks who have wells have a high carbon dioxide concentration, which causes for an acidic pH. This can typically be "fixed" by aerating the water for a day, driving off the carbon dioxide. Carbon Dioxide is easily tested by drawing a fresh sample of water, measuring the pH and now aerating or allowing it to sit overnight and measuring pH again. If CO2 is present, you'll see a pH rise.

If you did a water change with fresh drawn water (that contained CO2), it was acidic. Also note that pure water is not buffered and easily swings from acid to base by whatever contaminants are in there.

So I sort of need a water container for this tank?