How to Remove Iron & Raise the PH in Water

Removing iron and maintaining the proper pH levels in your aquarium water is essential to keeping your fish healthy. Although many fish can adapt to a wide range of pH levels, you should aim to keep the pH level steady. You can correct iron and pH problems in your tank water in several ways, without adding chemicals. You must test your aquarium water accurately for iron and pH levels before making any changes to the water.

Things You'll Need

  • Iron test kit
  • Filtration resin materials
  • Water conditioner
  • Tap water filter
  • Petrified coral, limestone or Texas holy rock
  • Shells
  • Aerator
  • Baking soda
  • PH-altering chemicals (optional)
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Instructions

  1. Removing Iron

    • 1

      Test your water source and the water in your aquarium tank using a fresh iron test kit, following the directions on the label. Don̵7;t use old or expired test kits, because they will give you false readings.

    • 2

      Add filtration resins to your tank filter, if your test has determined that you have an iron problem. Test the water daily to observe changes and ensure that the iron levels decrease.

    • 3

      Apply a water conditioner to reduce iron levels. Follow the instructions on the label carefully.

    • 4

      Change the water in the aquarium if you can̵7;t seem to remove the iron from the water using these other methods. Install a tap water filter that removes heavy metals and other harmful chemicals, and then refill the aquarium.

    • 5

      Test your aquarium water at least once per month. Perform periodic partial water changes as needed by removing and replacing 30 percent of the water in the tank at 24-hour intervals, until you̵7;ve replaced water equal to the total tank volume.

    Adjusting the pH

    • 6

      Place rocks, such as petrified coral, limestone or Texas holy rock, into your aquarium to raise the pH level of the water. Be sure to clean the rocks properly before adding them to your tank by scrubbing the rocks thoroughly and rinsing them in hot water. You can also add shells to the aquarium to raise the water̵7;s pH level.

    • 7

      Increase the aeration in your aquarium tank. This will cause the pH level in the water to increase by lowering the carbon dioxide level.

    • 8

      Add baking soda to your aquarium water. Mix 1 tsp. of baking soda with a 1/2 cup of water for every 5 gallons of tank water. Add the baking soda to the tank water in five separate, smaller doses, once per week, and not all at one time or you could kill your fish.

    • 9

      Add chemicals to your aquarium water if all other methods don̵7;t succeed in raising the water pH. PH-altering chemicals are available at most pet or aquarium stores. Follow the directions on the label exactly.