How to Change the pH From 1.2 to 6.8

Aquarium fish, particularly marine fish, require stable water conditions. Aquarists frequently experience problems in maintaining a stable 6.8 pH in their aquariums. The main reason for this is that the pH of aquarium water typically drops as fish and invertebrate animals, such as corals, continually add acidic metabolic waste to their living environment. Aquarists can raise the pH of their water without much effort.

Things You'll Need

  • Test kit to measure pH
  • Carbon dioxide test kit
  • Alkalinity test kit (marine tanks)
  • Total hardness test kits (fresh water tanks)
  • Filter floss or filter mats
  • Buffer to raise pH
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Instructions

    • 1

      Use a pH test kit to determine the current pH value of the aquarium water.

      Use the appropriate test for the type of water you are testing. Test kits designed for fresh water will not be suitable for testing the pH of sea water aquariums.

    • 2

      Check the expiration date on your test kit, to ensure that the reagents are not old.

    • 3

      Follow the direction on the test kit very carefully. It is counterproductive to correct pH values after receiving an incorrect reading initially.

    • 4

      Use a carbon dioxide test kit to determine the amount of carbon dioxide in the water.

      A rise in carbon dioxide causes an immediate drop in pH.

    • 5

      Use an alkalinity test kit to test the alkalinity of the water.

      This water parameter relates to the amount of negative irons that are required to neutralize hydrogen ions after acid is added to the water. By raising alkalinity, you will prevent a sudden drop in pH in marine aquariums.

    • 6

      Use a total hardness test kit to test the total hardness of the water in your fresh water tank.

      A reading of 4-6 pH or higher is required to maintain a stable pH. Add a hardness buffering powder or liquid to raise the total hardness if this parameter is too low.

    • 7

      Place an additional air stone in the aquarium, to increase the amount of water movement.

      In this way, oxygen rich water from the surface water is driven to the oxygen depleted layers near the bottom of the aquarium. Oxygen depleted water is then brought to the surface, where it is re-oxygenated at the surface.

    • 8

      Re-test the pH of your water after adding the air stone. You will notice a rise in the pH at this point.

    • 9

      Install a protein skimmer if you have a marine aquarium.

      The protein skimmer will raise oxygen levels and drive carbon dioxide from the water. Both actions will raise the pH.

    • 10

      Remove all mechanical filter material.

      Rinse and replace the filter mats or floss or discard and replace old the filter mats or floss, with new material. Phosphates are produced by the detritus and debris that is physically trapped in the filter material. These phosphates also contribute to lowering the pH of your water.

    • 11

      Use a high quality pH buffer to raise the pH to the desired 6.8.

    • 12

      Lower the bio-load in your aquarium by removing some of the fish, particularly the larger individuals.