How to Bring Down the pH Level in African Cichlid Tanks

African cichlids require a high pH between 7.0 and 9.0 on the pH scale. While not all cichlids require the same pH, the majority of cichlids are comfortable with ph levels around 8.5. Several factors affect the pH in a cichlid tank. Reducing the pH level in steps by altering only one tank factor at a time can increase your chances of obtaining and maintaining an accurate alkalinity.

Things You'll Need

  • One over the back filtering system
  • One canister filtering system
  • One piece natural aquarium driftwood
  • One terracotta clay pot
  • Fish-safe water buffers
  • Aquarium pH test strips
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Add water conditioners to the tank as directed by the manufacturer to decrease water pH. Water conditioners quickly achieve ideal tank conditions to halt damaging effects of incorrectly balanced water conditions.

    • 2

      Replace underground filtering systems with over-the -back filtering systems. Cichlids require a substrate and tank bottom that allows them to dig, which disrupts underground filtering processes.

    • 3

      Submerge a canister style filtering system to maintain proper water conditions as a secondary filter. Filtering systems help reduce waste and maintain optimal desired pH conditions.

    • 4

      Replace tank gravel with sand or other non-pH increasing substrate. Rock and gravel typically used in cichlid tanks increase the pH level. By replacing them with non-pH increasing substrates such as sand, you can lower the pH in your tank.

    • 5

      Reduce the number of pH-increasing tank decorations by replacing rocks with clay pots and drift wood. Clay pots provide necessary hiding spots to reduce aggression without effecting pH levels. Wood provides natural substrates that continually work to lower the pH in cichlid tanks.

    • 6

      Check your tank water weekly using pH test strips and make the necessary adjustments to maintain proper pH levels.