How to Raise or Lower PH Levels

Learning to safely raise or lower the pH levels of your fish tank's water is a necessary skill to maintain a healthy environment for your fish. Aquariums are delicate ecosystems, and their proper maintenance is vital to keep your fish thriving. Alkalinity and acidity are the two extremes of the pH scale, with anything below 7.0 (neutral) being acidic and anything above it being alkaline. Fortunately, adjusting the pH levels naturally and safely is relatively easy.

Things You'll Need

  • Mesh bag
  • Rubber band
  • Crushed coral
  • Peat chips
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Instructions

  1. Adjusting pH

    • 1

      Fill the mesh bag, which may typically be made of nylon, with the peat chips to lower the pH, or crushed coral to raise the pH, and close it by tightly twisting the opening.

    • 2

      Using the rubber band, tie the bag shut, securing it.

    • 3

      Rinse the bag under a faucet, removing any dust or debris.

    • 4

      Place the bag at the back of your filter behind the filter cartridge so that water flows through it.