Posted by admin | Posted in Pet Supplies | Posted on 01-09-2010
Tags: aquarium, aquarium-equipment, best co2 diffuser aquarium, ceramic diffuser aquarium, co2, co2 diffuser aquarium, diy co2 diffuser aquarium, glass diffuser aquarium, reef, supplies
pH levels in aquarium?
So, I am nearing the end of my cycle for my 55 gallon aquarium. I got a new test kit and tested the pH levels and they were 8.5! Then I tested my tap water and it was 8. So, in my aquarium all that I have is some driftwood, rocks, sand, and flourite.
To help fix the problem, I took out the rocks thinking that they could make the pH go higher. Also I changed about 10 gallons of water with clean, treated water.
I am planning on getting live plants next week, so I made myself a DIY CO2 diffuser with the soda bottles and yeast. I had read that CO2 can lower your pH, so I hooked all that up last night and let it run. Then, today I tested my pH in my tank and it was 8.
Ideally I would like it around 7 or 7.5, so what else can I do?
Try adding some peat moss to a mesh bag and put this in your filter. It’s more acidic than driftwood, and more permanent than using chemicals, but will tend to turn your water a light brown. You’ll have to experiment to find out how much you need to use, since your water must be pretty alkaline. And keep in mind that every time you do a water cahnge, you’re removing water that’s 1 pH and adding back water with a higher pH, so smaller, more frequent water changes are best to keep the pH from fluctuating too much.
Another thing you can do is to add reverse osmosis or distilled water to your tapwater in some ration. Distilled water has all other minerals removed, and RO has most removed, so this can help to dilute whatever is causing the pH to be high.
But once you start either method, you’ll have to stick with it to keep your pH stable. The peat can go several water changes, but you’ll need to monitor the pH to know when to change the peat in the bag. Once you’ve established some ratio of tapwater to distilled or RO water, you can continue to use the same ratio unless something happens with your tapwater.
Should you ever decide to keep African cichlids or saltwater, they’d love your water!!
Effective CO2 aquarium diffuser. 100% solubility.
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Sunterra 210100 Aerator Diffuser $22.00 Aerate your pond with this water aerator difuser. Kit comes with 2 aerator stones for specific placement…. |
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LED Bubble Wand – 8 1/2 in. – Blue $17.99 Marineland’s LED Bubble Wand illuminates and aerates, while it fascinates! This exciting aeration display includes 6 LED lights to brighten up a curtain of air. A built-in air stone means it benefits your fish while looking great. Includes air stone, suction cups and a 10 ft. cord…. |
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Won 24 Inch Flexible Air Diffuser $7.86 WON 24 INCH FLEXIBLE AIR DIFFUSERFeatures: Flexible design allows placement in hard to reach areas Easy to hide Can be bent to create many interesting shapes and patterns Easy to clean Produces an attractive curtain of air 6 different models with 0.4″ diameter Sinks itself to the bottom of aquarium Can be used in freshwater or saltwater… |
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Aqua Fizzzz 1 inch Cylinder Air Stone (4/pkg) $1.99 1.5″ (2.84cm) Durable air stones effectively create water currents and dazzling underwater scenes Increases surface agitation, oxygenates water Helps release carbon dioxide build-up Small sizes fit common box filters and undergravel riser stems Fits standard airline tubing… |
