Re: [Killietalk] Lowering the PH

[LeeH920226 at aol_com]

In a message dated 8/23/04 10:48:55 AM, Grewsh at aol_com writes:

<< I have been unsuccessful in maintaining a lower pH for those fish that 
require it, I have tried chemical additions, Peat in a filter etc. I have had 
some 
success but not a lot. My tap is about 7.5 or so and I gave been able to 
maintain Neutral with some work. Does anyone have other thought? Would an RO 
Unit 
work? If so what do you recommend? I have never used one before and could use 
suggestions >>

If there are buffers in your tap water or there are buffers dissolving from 
gravel or rocks, any attempts to acidify will eventually fail. First you need 
to determine whether you can keep water acid with just your tap water -- no 
gravel, sand, rocks, etc. If you cannot then you need rain water or RO water to 
dilute your buffered tap water. If the tap water alone is capable of being 
acidified then you just need to remove all mineral based materials from your tank. 
What species are you trying to keep acidic? Most species don't really care 
about pH but many do care about dissolved minerals.

Lee Harper
Media, PA

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