Things You'll Need
- Nylon mesh bag
- Activated carbon
- Peat moss
- Can of compressed carbon dioxide
Instructions
Add about two tablespoons of activated carbon for every 10 gallons of aquarium water. The activated carbon will help remove colors and chemicals from the aquarium water. Change the carbon once every two months.
Add a measured amount of peat moss according to the manufacture's instructions. Peat moss will soften and lower the pH of the water. It will also release tannins that will turn the water yellow, which is desirable in some circumstances such as blackwater aquariums. Activated carbon will remove the tannins.
Set up a air hose to inject carbon dioxide into the aquarium water. Carbon dioxide will lower the pH of the water very well, although you will have to experiment to get the measurements correct. How effective it is depends on the hardness of the water (carbonate hardness or KH), the original pH, how much carbon dioxide you are using and how long the gas is in contact with the water. Start with less carbon dioxide and slowly raise the level until you reach your desired pH.