Things You'll Need
- pH gauge
- pH test kit
- Clean container
- Reverse osmosis unit
- Commercial pH decreaser
- Commercial alkaline buffer
Instructions
Test the pH in your tap water and aquarium water. Gauges and pH test kits are available at any pet store that sells freshwater fish. Run your tap water into a clean container and perform the pH test according to the manufacturer's instructions. If the reading for your tap water is acidic, move on to Step 3; if it is alkaline, move on to Step 2.
Run the alkaline tap water through a reverse osmosis unit to remove some of the minerals and allow the commercial pH adjuster to be more effective. Add a pH decreaser to the water and test your tap water again until it is within a pH reading of 6.6 to 7.8. Try to get a reading slightly higher than your aquarium water, because the water in your aquarium naturally tends toward the acidic end over time. Move on to Step 4.
Add minerals to your acidic tap water with a commercial alkaline buffer and test your tap water again until it reaches the desired range. Aim for a reading slightly above the reading in your aquarium water, since fish waste naturally tends to push the reading lower.
Drain the recommended amount of water from your aquarium as you normally would to change the water. Usually you replace 10% once a week or 15% to 20% every other week. Add the treated tap water to the siphoned aquarium. Test the water in the aquarium again to ensure the level falls in the best pH range.