How to Adjust a Fish Tank's pH With Baking Soda

Many fish breeds can live well outside the range of their suggested acidity or alkalinity of their water environment, known as the pH level. Some fish are more sensitive. And if you want to be a breeder, keeping the pH level of your aquarium within acceptable levels is a must. To adjust the water pH of aquariums, many hobbyists use expensive chemicals and buffers. A cheap alternative can be found in your kitchen -- baking soda.

Things You'll Need

  • pH test kit
  • Baking soda
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Instructions

  1. Preparation

    • 1

      Find out the pH level that is required for your fish. Some fish need it more acidic, some more alkaline. Some will thrive in neutral pH level. Ask the pet shop where you bought the fish for information. You can also check the Web or ask other aquarium hobbyists. When checking the pH requirement of a particular breed of fish, look for the range and not the exact value. For example, you want something like "this fish requires pH 6.5 to 7.5" instead of value like "this fish requires pH 7."

    • 2

      Measure the pH level of your aquarium water using pH measuring kits available at pet shops. Read the instructions carefully and make sure that you follow each step closely. Make sure that your pH test kit can still measure accurately. Most test kits expire after six months. Ask your dealer or read the instructions included in the kit to know the life span of your pH test kit.

    • 3

      Dissolve baking soda in water before adding it to your aquarium. The rule of thumb is 1 tsp. of baking soda per 5 gallons of aquarium water. If you are a novice, start with smaller measurements and add it gradually until you achieve the right pH level.

    • 4

      Measure the pH level of water after every addition of baking soda mixture. Wait a few minutes before adding baking soda again.

    • 5

      Keep measuring the pH level of your aquarium water periodically. Baking soda treatment is not a permanent solution. Your aquarium's water will begin to drop again after some time, so you will need to redo the process.