Quick Ways to Lower the pH in My Salt Tank

Lowering the PH in your marine aquarium will improve the health and appearance of your salt water dwelling pets. Salt water animals are usually more sensitive to severe PH changes than their freshwater relatives. It is best to lower the PH slowly unless it is at toxic levels of alkalinity.

  1. Chemicals

    • There are a wide variety of chemicals available at most local pet or fish stores that will lower the PH automatically in the aquarium. Some are charcoal reactive while others are not, so be certain to read the back of the container. If they are neutralized by charcoal and you have a standard backpack aquarium filter, you will need to remove your filter media if it has charcoal in it. You must only use these chemicals as a quick fix. If the PH is constantly alkaline, something is wrong within the tank.

    Water Changes

    • Water must be changed from the bottom of the aquarium up to keep the nitrogen cycle healthy. A high PH is a sign that something is amiss in the aquarium and it may very well be that there is too much rotting matter in the aquarium for the beneficial bacteria to deal with. This will cause many water readings to spike out of control. If a high PH continues, test your tap water. If it has a high PH, you will need to locate an alternative water source. If it has a neutral PH of around 7, change the water in your aquarium more frequently.

    Alternative Water Sources

    • Alternative water sources must be located if the PH of your water is not relatively neutral. Alternative water sources must be neutral sources such as jugs of distilled water from the grocery store. Spring water has minerals in it that may upset the balance even further. Distilled water is the most neutral source of water for the home aquarium.

    Peat Moss

    • Peat moss can be used in extreme circumstances for long term needs while an alternative water source is located or while work is being done. Peat moss neutralizes water PH naturally and slowly, however, it does have a side effect of turning the water slightly yellow. Some fish, corals or other marine animals may dislike this water tint or may have difficulty finding food in it. Peat moss must not be relied upon indefinitely.