How to Change House Water That is Up in pH

Adjusting the pH level in an aquarium is one of the primary water quality concerns faced by hobbyists. While it is very important to note that stability is generally more significant than an exact number value, adjusting the pH value of your tap water can be accomplished by one of three general methods. Before you make any alterations to your water, first purchase a liquid pH and KH test kit from your local aquarium supply store to determine your tap water's values.

Things You'll Need

  • pH and KH test kit
  • KH buffer powder
  • CO2 system
  • Peat moss and filter fiber
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Instructions

  1. Chemical Adjustment

    • 1

      Purchase a quality KH buffering powder from a fish store.

    • 2

      Carefully follow the included pH balance chart included with the powder, and adjust the KH value of your tank (according to package instructions) in order to bring the pH within the value range you are looking for.

    • 3

      Test pH and KH twice per day for the first three days after adding the KH buffer, and check both regularly after this. Adjusting the KH of your water can reduce its ability to maintain a constant pH.

    CO2 Adjustment

    • 4

      Connect a pressurized CO2 tank and regulator (available at home brewery stores and some fish shops) to an internal power head or the intake on a canister filter. Dissolved CO2 in the water creates carbonic acid, effectively lowering the tank's pH level. In combination with aquatic plants and a good lighting system, this is the most effective and stable means of adjusting down your tap pH; done improperly, it can cause severe pH crashes and fish death.

    • 5

      Check your pH every 3-4 hours (including overnight) the first day you run your CO2 tank to monitor for crashes. If the levels begin to swing more than a whole point within a 12 hour period, immediately shut off the tank and increase filter output as much as possible to increase gas exchange as dissipate CO2.

    • 6

      Add live plants to your tank to help buffer pH swings from day to night.

    Natural Additive Adjustment

    • 7

      Place a handful of peat moss into the filter fiber bag, and fold over.

    • 8

      Place the peat moss bag into your filter, in front of your carbon filter so that the water passes through the peat after it passes through the carbon.

    • 9

      Keep a pH journal until you determine a schedule for changing the peat bags. For instance, if the pH drops too low, plan on removing the peat one day early the next time you use a bag.

    • 10

      Replace the peat bag as soon as a drop is detected in the pH.