Unusual rise in tank pH... why?

**John Hoe** · 5th Nov 2009, 12:05

Hi

What's the cause of PH rise from7.5 to 8.5/9?
In just 1 Month.
It's a 5X2X2 ft planted tank.

Rgds
John

**bossteck** · 5th Nov 2009, 13:00

Need more information.
Filter media, you using coral chips?
You adding any chemicals to your tank?

**John Hoe** · 5th Nov 2009, 19:11

i am using Ehiem filter.
When you say coral chips are you talking about the white round things we normally put in filters?
I am not adding any things into the tank.

**stormhawk** · 5th Nov 2009, 19:49

What about your substrate/gravel bed? What type are you using? A photograph might be helpful.

**John Hoe** · 5th Nov 2009, 20:35

Hi bro i do not know how to attached the photo here but you can see it in the photo gallery.

**StanChung** · 5th Nov 2009, 21:57

Looks like the substrate you're using is the cause. Is it the coral chip or limestone based gravel?

**John Hoe** · 6th Nov 2009, 21:54

But i thought these sort of sands are what normally people used for planted tanks?
Is there any remedy?

**bichirfanatic** · 7th Nov 2009, 02:51

For your info, Dark water Drops helps to reduce PH

**Shadow** · 7th Nov 2009, 17:40

Originally Posted by John Hoe

But i thought these sort of sands are what normally people used for planted tanks?
Is there any remedy?

not normal at all. I never see coral chip being use in planted tank. Event inert lapis sand now slowly phase out. Hobyist are moving to rich soild base as a substrate.

**Shadow** · 7th Nov 2009, 17:40

Originally Posted by bichirfanatic

For your info, Dark water Drops helps to reduce PH

doesn't matter the ph will go up again

**John Hoe** · 8th Nov 2009, 08:22

No it do not go up any more .
I am now using the dry leaves that i pick from Qianhu to help reduce the ph.
Will be buying the dark water drop.
Thanks for the advice bichirfanatic.

**Shadow** · 8th Nov 2009, 10:22

it will once you stop using that.

**StanChung** · 8th Nov 2009, 10:49

Dark water? Branded Blackwater? For a planted tank the tank will go dark and your lighting would become very dim.

I suggest you replace your substrate or it's going to be uphill task to continuous problem of limestone dissolving in your tank. More acid[black water/via CO2] you put-more limestone dissolve. If the gravel is CaCO3 then water hardness will also go up.
KH and GH for sure will be high.

It's ok if you have a small bag of coral chips in the filter but the whole tank of it is a bit much.

It's not that bad but it's not ideal situation for the plants and fishes that like soft acidic water.