Have you witnessed many fish dying in your Aquarium? The most possible reason is a high pH level in the water. If you are looking for the best ways to lower pH levels, there are several ways to do so.
A few good options to reduce the pH levels in aquarium is to use peat moss, driftwood, and indian almond leaves. You can also consider regular partial water changes and using pressurised CO2 systems.
What is the ideal pH level in an Aquarium?
The pH level ranges between 0 and 14. If the pH is below 7, the water is acidic and when it goes above 7, the water becomes basic or alkaline. The best and right pH level in an aquarium is not easy to find. Each fish species needs different pH values.
However, the ideal pH level in an aquarium is expected to be between 5.5 and 7.5. However, the saltwater aquarium will work best with alkaline conditions.
How to lower pH in Aquarium?
There are several ways to lower the pH in aquarium. It is always advisable to use natural aquarium to lower the pH levels.
1. Peat Moss
Using peat moss is an excellent option to reduce aquarium pH. Peat moss releases the tannic and gallic acids. These acids neutralise the bicarbonates in the water, and thus the pH of the water is reduced.
It may be noted that you need to use peat moss well before plants and fish are introduced into your aquarium. Peat moss also comes with a disadvantage of discolour the aquarium water. Another issue with the use of peat moss is that there is no specific information on the dosage and usage.
2. Driftwood
Driftwood offers an excellent look to your aquarium. It is typically found in the natural aquarium of the fish in the wild. It releases tannin. It reduces the pH levels of the aquarium.
Just like peat moss, even driftwood aquarium the water. Apart from that, all driftwood may not be suitable for use in aquariums. It is essential to check if the driftwood is ideal to your fish tank. Consulting a professional in this context may be a good idea.
3. Indian almond leaves
Also called catappa are another excellent option to help lower pH in your aquarium. These Indian almond leaves are available in most pet stores. In the same way as driftwood and peat moss do, these leaves release tannins as they decompose.
The catalpa leaves also have antibacterial properties, which will help you treat the fin rot in the baby fish. If you think the leaves make the aquarium untidy, you can bunch them together and put them in the aquarium filter.
4. Reverse osmosis
RO filtration systems are another option for changing the pH levels in aquariums. RO water is known to purify and help achieve a neutral pH. Since RO systems help you achieve soft water, you will get a lower pH.
However, the Reverse Osmosis option is quite expensive and needs a lot of maintenance. However, it does not discolour or stain your aquarium.
5. Carbon dioxide reactors
If you havAquariumted aquarium, using CO2 reactors can be an excellent option. The CO2 reactors help with the constant supply of carbon dioxide in your freshwater. CO2 is slightly acidic. This helps lower pH in the aquarium.
When you opt for the CO2 reactor, youAquarium keep a balance between the CO2 and oxygen levels.
What Causes High pH Value in Aquarium?
There are several reasons that can raise the pH in your aquarium. Understanding these reasons for the hAquariumater levels can help you take a proper action to address the issue.
1. Hard water
If your water supply includes hard water, it can raise the pH level. However, most of the time, the pH levels do not go beyond 9.0 – in case you have a proper nitrogen cycle.
2. Water softeners
Traditional water softeners can reduce the hardness of water. However, they leave behind the carbonates in the water. This can result in an increased level of pH. Using Reverse Osmosis systems can help you achieve pH drops.
3. Plants
Planted tanks are more likely to raise the pH levels in the water. I am not asking you to reduce the plants in your aquarium. But, instead, you can get the pH lowered using any of the methods that we have explained above.
In Conclusion
Well, it is always essential to adjust the pH in your aquarium to help the fish prosper comfortably. You can use the methods we have explained above should help you avoid raising the pH. Check out which method works for you in reducing the pH levels of the aquarium water.
Add Comment