How to Lower the pH Factor in an Aquarium

Maintaing a clean and safe aquarium for your fish means keeping the pH at a safe level, and this can be a challenge. pH is a measure of acidity and alkalinity and is measured on a scale of 0 to 14. The vast majority of fish require a pH between 6 and 8. Sudden changes in pH can be fatal to fish. If one of your fishes dies or seems to be in distress, you should check the pH immediately and make changes if necessary.

Things You'll Need

  • Bogwood
  • Peat balls
  • Alder cones
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Instructions

  1. Bogwood

    • 1

      Purchase a piece of Bogwood from an aquarium store. Tell the store attendants what size aquarium you have and they can tell you what size Bogwood to purchase.

    • 2

      Soak the Bogwood in water for several hours.

    • 3

      Attach the Bogwood to the side of your tank. This way it will not take up space on the floor of the tank and fish won't be at risk of getting caught underneath it.

    • 4

      Use a filter or change the water to get the brown out of the water, as the Bogwood tends to turn the water brown.

    Peat Balls

    • 5

      Purchase a Peat ball from your local aquarium store.

    • 6

      Thoroughly wash your hands.

    • 7

      Dunk the Peat ball into your aquarium and squeeze it firmly with your hand. It will make the water a bit brown.

    • 8

      Leave the Peat ball in the tank for a few months and give it a squeeze when the pH gets a little high.

    Alder Cones

    • 9

      Purchase one Alder cone for each gallon of water in your tank. If you have a 15-gallon tank, purchase 15 Alder cones.

    • 10

      Drop the Alder cones into the aquarium.

    • 11

      Leave the cones in the aquarium for a few days and measure the pH to see if it has lowered.