Maintaining a balanced pH in the aquarium is essential for the healthy growth of fish. But the primary question that lingers is - how should you lower the pH in an aquarium if the pH is high? Importantly, different fish species require different pH levels to survive due to their diverse habitat. Remember, a pH value of less than 7 is considered acidic, and a pH value of more than seven turns basic. Your fish may require either of them. For instance, some freshwater fish have slightly acidic pH in their environment. If the pH level is too high in your aquarium for your fish and plants, consider the following solutions to lower it. You should also consider factors that affect the pH.
Why pH Matters in an Aquarium?
An ideal pH is tailored to the specific needs of fish, which allows them to be healthy and thrive well. Some tropical freshwater fish prefer slightly to very acidic water conditions that have a pH ranging from 5.5 to 7.5, while some prefer slightly alkaline conditions. This is associated with their different origins, such as oceans, rivers, and other ecosystems. Additionally, the pH of the water is lower if it is basic for the fish. Thus, it is important to research the specific fish you are keeping. This helps you understand the pH level of aquarium, they need to thrive. Ensure that they are provided with their natural habitat condition and frequently monitor the pH level of the aquarium. This is a great way to keep them stress-free and further away from diseases.
Factors That Cause Higher pH
Here are the various factors that can lead to higher pH in aquariums. Understanding them is essential to prevent high pH.
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Mineral-rich water - The mineral in hard tap water results in higher pH levels. However, in an established aquarium with a nitrogen cycle, your fish may not experience a pH level of 9.0 that produces acid all the time.
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Water Softeners - The pH level increases even with traditional water softeners as they leave behind the carbonates. The reason is that water softeners remove calcium and magnesium, which has no impact on pH.
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Aquarium substrates - Corel graves is an aquarium substrate that contains calcium carbonate. It releases carbonates into the water, which elevates the pH level. However, it might not cause much of an issue unless you have sensitive fish.
5 Methods to Lower the pH of the Aquarium
Here are some natural, useful methods to decrease the pH value of the aquarium:
Peat Moss
Use peat moss to lower the pH in the freshwater aquarium. It releases gallic and tannic acids, which attack the bicarbonates in the aquarium water. This lowers the pH level and decreases the water hardness. Furthermore, ensure that the peat moss stays in the aquarium for its maximum effect, as dipping it every now and then won't be effective.
There isn't any dosage provided, so it’s recommended to begin using the peat moss in a small quantity. Do this while adding the pellets or chunks to the aquarium. Keep monitoring the pH level using the pH strips or a pH meter.
Driftwood
A component called tannin is released by driftwood, which reduces the pH inside the aquarium.
It's a natural process where the water might get discolored but it will not stress the fish or harm any plants. However, if you sterilize it by boiling in salt water, it will ensure that there is no dirt, fungi or debris on the wood. Additionally, sterilizing will also prevent discoloring the aquarium water. Importantly, before using driftwood, check if the driftwood is Aquarium-safe as some driftwoods are not safe for freshwater aquariums.
Indian Almond Leaves
Place the Indian Almond leaves in the water. It will release tannins as they decay, which will decrease the pH level. Using one leaf per 10 gallons of water can bring a mild difference in lowering the pH. Thus, these leaves are a popular choice.
Reverse Osmosis (RO)
Using reverse osmosis water is an expensive but also the best way to alter the pH inside the freshwater aquarium. It has a semipermeable membrane that purifies the water and filters out 90-99% of impurities which might be the reason for the higher pH in the aquarium.
Though the RO water is costly and has higher maintenance charges, it is a natural deionization procedure that will not stain the aquarium yellow water and is sustainable.
Carbon Dioxide Reactors
Add a carbon dioxide reactor as it provides the plants inside the aquarium with CO2, which is crucial for plant growth. CO2 is slightly acidic and can lower the pH inside the aquarium as long as you keep the reactor on run. In addition to that, get a CO2 sensor and an O2 sensor to check the levels of carbon dioxide and oxygen.
Conclusion
A specified pH value is required for different species of fish. Lowering the pH value of your aquarium keeps the plants and fishes healthy, stress free and lively. Make sure to do your own research carefully before considering any of the methods to lower the pH in the aquarium.
