Raising PH value?

[n707jt]

Hi guys

I have been testing my planted tank for about 2 weeks and I realized the pH value is quite low. Seems to be around the region of 5.5. Is this healthy for the fishes that live within the aquarium?

[bryan]

You can check the profiles of your fish to see if the PH is suitable for them. If you still feel uncomfortable, get a PH buffer.

[ahaetulla]

Depends on the fish as different species do best at different pH. It's generally easier to raise the pH than lower it. To raise the pH, you can buy chemical products from your lfs.

[koon]

Before you go and increase your pH, do you know what causes your pH to drop to so low in the first place ?

[Shadow]

Agree, you need to find out why it is so low, for example ADA soil will drop the pH to that level for about a month or more.

[n707jt]

Hi

I am using the ADA Amazonian soil right now. So that could probably be the main cause.

[luenny]

Why do you want to increase your pH? Is something wrong with your livestock? 5.5 is actual ok for some fishes and plants.

[Shadow]

Hi

I am using the ADA Amazonian soil right now. So that could probably be the main cause.

How old is the setup? if it is new, wait for a month or two, it will go up slowly. So what kind of fauna do you have? some like low pH

[Aeon]

According to an Aqua Journal I read, low pH after a week or 2 is attributed to the presence of nitrifying bacteria producing nitric acid. It should climb back to normal after 3-4 weeks.