Hey Lauren

[Chrona]

Oh dam, I just checked my pH and it's about 7.4. I wasn't checking it because I had 8.1 out of the tap, but I guess either the formation of the bacteria or the sitting around of the water caused it to lower??? Should I just do a large water change (like 75% or more?) and see if that helps, or should I get some buffer? Also, if I use the buffer, do I just need to wait until the water circulates completely, or is there a time period to allow everything to run its course?

Do you have any driftwood in the tank? Let it sit for another day and see what the pH is.

[niqolas619]

Do you have any driftwood in the tank? Let it sit for another day and see what the pH is.

Nah, just rocks. I bought some stuff to raise the pH - gonna give that a whirl.

[Lady Hobbs]

Just use baking soda. It's safer. Just add a pinch at a time and don't raise (or lower) pH more than 3. at a time in 24 hours.