How to Naturally Balance the PH in Water

Balancing the pH in your aquarium water is something nearly every fish tank owner will eventually have to do. The pH of the water measures its acidity or alkalinity, with 7.0 being neutral and, typically, the optimal pH for freshwater aquariums. Sometimes, however, depending on the amount of fish you have in your tank or simply the pH level of the water you're using to fill up your aquarium, you'll need to either raise or lower the pH. Though there are several chemicals frequently sold to help, there's also a safer, more natural method to balancing it.

Things You'll Need

  • Handful of crushed coral
  • Handful of peat chips
  • Mesh nylon bag
  • Rubber band
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Instructions

  1. Balancing pH Naturally

    • 1

      Fill the mesh bag with either the handful of peat chips or the handful of crushed coral, depending on how you wish to alter the pH. Crushed coral will help raise pH, while peat chips will help lower it.

    • 2

      Tie the bag shut, using the rubber band so no chunks of the peat or coral can escape.

    • 3

      Rinse the bag under cold water. This will help eliminate any excess dust or debris that may cloud your aquarium water.

    • 4

      Place the bag of chips or coral within your filter, preferably squeezed next to the filter cartridge so that water can run through it.