On Fri, 11 Mar 2005 02:23:15 GMT, Elaine T
wrote:

wrote:
Hi,

The ph on my water is on the high side and I got ph adjust down to
bring it down to more acceptable levels.

I was told that removing the charcoal filter helps alot because I would
need to use less chemical.

Does it really make a difference?

Why are you trying to lower the pH? Pretty much all fish that are
suited to beginners will adjust fine to pH 8. Others have told you the
same. Most pH adjusters are phosphoric acid, which can cause algae
blooms and won't hold the tank's pH stable anyway.

I agree why add chemicals? You become a slave to your chemistry and
risk far more problems from unplanned variations due to your adding
chemicals. I lost several fish one day while adjusting pH in a 75
gallon tank. It went acid and I couldn't syphon and replentish fast
enough. No more do I take that risk. I am too unreliable.

My local water has a pH of 7.8. For over a year I have left well
enough alone. My 5 tanks contain about 16 species plus live plants
and snails (of course).

I have removed all charcoal from my power filters. I found the
cartridges impossible to clean with the charcoal inside. I could
never get the water to flow through the dirty charcoal. By opening
one side of the filter media, I removed the charcoal. Water pressure
keeps the slit closed and I can easily clean the media.

I believe the least intervention in tank chemistry is best. It is too
easy to skip something when time is short. Simply removing water and
replacing it with a Python Gravel Vac or with a bucket for the smaller
tanks is quick and easy and gets done twice weekly.

dick