Re: Aquatic Plants Digest V2 #86

To: Aquatic-Plants at actwin_com
Subject: Re: Aquatic Plants Digest V2 #86
From: wmbrady at chesapeake_net (Bill Brady)
Date: Sat, 20 Jul 1996 06:35:57 -0500

>>>>>  From: nickliv at halcyon_com
Date: Fri, 19 Jul 1996 10:35:47 +0000
Subject: Lapis Lustre and Chem/pH Qs

I've used Lapis Lustre in a 140 gal tnak for a while and have not
noticed any problems, although I suppose they may not yet be
apparent.  I tested a sample of it with muriatic acid (don't inhale!)
and there was no significant bubbling.  Maybe we're talking about
different varieties of this sand/gravel.

I need a recommendation abotu how to change the pH in my tank and
buffer it safely.  The tap water is over 8, and I'd like 6.5-7.  I
used Acidifier to lower it at first, but it bounced back quickly and
then I read the bottle and found that it was Sodium MonoPHOSPHATE
(argh).  Anyway, I can get almost any chemical imaginable- I just
need to know a safe recipe for changing the pH and buffering it that
won't harm the fish or help out the algae (a CO2 system is in the
works- but it will be a while before I can change the pH that way).

Thanks!
Nick Livingston in dreary Seattle, using a new mail reader that
hopefully won't have wretched little "="s everywhere. <<<<<<

------------------------------

PH Down by Aquarium Pharmaceuticals Inc. is phosphate free. I use it. I
also run my tapwater through a recycled TWP (Tap Water Purifier, also by
API) cartridge filled with peat. I also use peat in the middle chamber of
my Fluval.

I also use CO2, but, in a planted tank, the plants use up the CO2 pretty
quickly. I still need a way to bring down the PH climb of my tapwater.

What I'd like to know, is what does the water processing plant put into the
water to make the PH go so high?

-Bill Brady