How to Balance the pH on a New Tank

Maintaining a fish tank can be a rewarding endeavor, but it requires great care and patience. Many new fish tank owners often overlook water quality, but it is vital to the health and vitality of any fish that inhabit your aquarium. Of all the variables that affect water quality, one of the most important is its pH, the measure of acidity or alkalinity. The scale for measuring pH runs from 0-14, with 7.0 being neutral, which is the target for most freshwater aquariums. If the water in your new tank has a pH that is too high or too low, there are ways to balance it and correct the issue.

Things You'll Need

  • 1 handful of crushed coral
  • 1 handful of peat chips
  • Mesh bag
  • Rubber band
  • Pot of water
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Instructions

  1. Raising the pH

    • 1

      Place the crushed coral into the mesh bag.

    • 2

      Tie bag closed using the rubber band.

    • 3

      Rinse the bag of coral under a faucet to remove any excess dust.

    • 4

      Place the rinsed bag of coral within your tank's filter, behind the cartridge, so that water flows through it.

    Lowering the pH

    • 5

      Place the peat chips within the mesh bag and tie it shut with a rubber band.

    • 6

      Let the bag of peat chips soak in the pot of water for approximately 24 hours. This is to thoroughly remove embedded dust that may turn your water brown, or tea-colored.

    • 7

      Rinse the bag under a faucet to remove any excess dust, dirt, or debris.

    • 8

      Place the freshly rinsed bag within your tank's filter, preferably near the cartridge.