Things You'll Need
- pH test kits
- Aquarium fish guide
- Phosphate-free aquarium buffer
- Buckets
Instructions
Research the needs of all the fish you have. Most aquarium fish need a pH somewhere between 6 and 8, but there is a huge difference in acidity between these levels. Only acquire fish that need the same level or are tolerant of a wide range. If you already own fish with different needs, transfer those that need a more acidic environment to a new aquarium before you start adjusting the water chemistry.
Test the aquarium water and make a note of its current pH.
Add aquarium buffers, following the directions that come with them, to lower the pH by 0.1.
Test the water after 24 hours. If the pH went down by 0.1, or a maximum of 0.3, repeat the process. Add the buffer, test the water after a day and add more buffer; until you achieve the ideal pH for the fish species.
Add buffer to the water for water changes in a bucket beforehand. Test the water to check the pH matches the tank water.