ph problem

Hi all,

I have a 20 gal. fish only tank with crushed coral substrate. My ph runs
consistently at 7.8. What is the best way to raise it up slowly so that my
fish won't go into shock. I'm not crazy about chemicals, but would be
willing to try it if it's the only way. It was my understanding that the
salt mix (Instant Ocean) was supposed to automatically adjust the ph. I
change about 5 gallons of water per week. I have a pair of clarkii clowns,
a yellow clown goby, a 6 lined wrasse, 2 pyramid snails and would like to
add a royal gramma to complete the tank. Thanks,

Sarah

Hi Sarah,

I have a 25 gallon tank with crushed coral substrate and also do 5
gallon water changes about once a week with instant ocean salt. I also
regularly add Reef Buffer to help with the pH. Before I started using
the Reef Buffer my pH was always around 7.8, I beleive it just
naturally goes down over time. Now my pH is generally between 8.1 and
8.3, and I have not noticed any negative effects.


Blake.

You could try adding some aragonite substrate, perhaps by gradually
substituting your existing coral sand. It disolves slowly bringing the pH up
to around 8.2.

Mark

Arm and Hammer baking soda. Add slowly till you reach the desired pH and
it's cheaper than the pH up and Buff up stuff they sell wich is the same
thing.


"Sarah Navarro" wrote in message
nk.net...
Hi all,

I have a 20 gal. fish only tank with crushed coral substrate. My ph runs
consistently at 7.8. What is the best way to raise it up slowly so that
my fish won't go into shock. I'm not crazy about chemicals, but would be
willing to try it if it's the only way. It was my understanding that the
salt mix (Instant Ocean) was supposed to automatically adjust the ph. I
change about 5 gallons of water per week. I have a pair of clarkii
clowns, a yellow clown goby, a 6 lined wrasse, 2 pyramid snails and would
like to add a royal gramma to complete the tank. Thanks,

Sarah

Thanks, I'll try that and see if it helps.


wrote in message
oups.com...
Hi Sarah,

I have a 25 gallon tank with crushed coral substrate and also do 5
gallon water changes about once a week with instant ocean salt. I also
regularly add Reef Buffer to help with the pH. Before I started using
the Reef Buffer my pH was always around 7.8, I beleive it just
naturally goes down over time. Now my pH is generally between 8.1 and
8.3, and I have not noticed any negative effects.


Blake.