How to Add pH Increaser Drops to Tap Water

The pH balance of your aquarium is an important, but often overlooked, key to fish health. A fish tank that is not at the correct pH for your fish will not show any visible signs. The only way to tell if your pH is correct is to test it with test strips or a pH monitor. pH strips have a lower initial cost, but a pH monitor will save you money in the long-term. The lower the pH number, the more acidic your tank water; and the higher, the more basic. Neutral is 7, but this may not be the middle of the healthy range for your fish. Check with a reference manual or knowledgeable fishkeeper. If your pH is too low, you can use a pH increaser to bring it back up to the preferred range for your fish.

Things You'll Need

  • pH strips or monitor
  • pH increaser
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Instructions

    • 1

      Determine the best pH range for your fish by using pH test strips or a monitor. This can range from as low as 5 for a Discus to as high as 7.6 to 8.5 for Tanganyikan Cichlids, however most fish will prefer from 5.5 to 7.5.

    • 2

      Change 10 percent to 25 percent of the water in your tank. It is best to do this first as you may need to adjust the pH after each water change, depending on the pH of your tap water.

    • 3

      Read the directions on your pH increaser and calculate the correct amount for your tank. The specifics will vary from brand to brand and even among different sizes of the same brand, however most will be measured in droplets similar to an eyedrop bottle. For example, one common brand recommends adding four drops per gallon.

    • 4

      Squeeze the pre-calculated number of drops out slowly. In order to avoid putting in too many drops, mix the drops with some of the tank water in a separate container and then pour the resulting mixture into the tank.

    • 5

      Wait a half-hour in order allow the pH increaser to mix thoroughly with the existing water, and then retest. If further correction is needed, wait until the next day to do so.