Things You'll Need
- Gravel vacuum
- Chemical for raising buffering capacity
- Chemical for raising pH
- Limestone or crushed coral
Instructions
Change 30 percent of your water volume, vacuuming your substrate well. You will need to perform this water changes routinely. For a freshwater tank, use dechlorinated tap water rather than distilled or reverse osmosis water, as most tap water has an alkaline pH.
Clean your filtration devices and make certain they are working properly. Proper filtration raises your tank's "buffering capacity;" in other words, your tank's ability to maintain its pH.
Add a chemical additive, sold in most pet stores, that will raise the buffering capacity of your aquarium water. Raising the pH in a tank with insufficient buffering capacity is useless, as the pH will quickly drop again. Follow dosage instructions for the product you have purchased.
Add a chemical such as "pH-Up," which helps raise pH levels in aquariums. Follow the dosage instructions on the packaging.
Increase the water flow and movement in your tank by turning up or replacing your pumps with higher flow pumps. Aerating devices also help agitate water.
Add limestone or crushed coral to your gravel or filtration. These rocks add to the alkalinity of your tank.