pH of 7.6, pH test liquid fail?

**Chrisinator** · 10-09-2009, 12:25 AM

Hey Guys,

So I moved about a month ago and have set-up my 10G. But I've never tested the water here. The water comes out 7.6 on my test kit. I've tried to different pH test liquids. The only thing is, it also comes out about 7.6 in my tank. I don't really trust these test things since I've had them for maybe 2 years now and barely used them (I know, kinda relyd on instincts). I also have Lava Rocks (not sure if that buffers the water or not)

What do you think, do you think it's naturally like this or is something in my tank buffering? And what fish are better to be kept in a higher pH tank?

**Red** · 10-09-2009, 12:29 AM

7.6 is normal, no need to get wigged out of it. I keep all my fish a that, and keep everything the same.

**Jacko** · 10-09-2009, 12:32 AM

liquid tests are definitely the more accurate of the commonly available ones, so if they say 7.6 with 2 different ones it's most likely right.

Lowering it to a suitable level for your gudgeons or future angels wouldn't be difficult, you could use peat moss in the filter or use RO water at water changes mixed with your tap to bring it to a better level.

**Chrisinator** · 10-09-2009, 12:32 AM

Im just wondering if the lava rocks that I have are buffering the water. I got them from a guy ones and forgot what kind exactly.

**Chrisinator** · 10-09-2009, 12:33 AM

Originally Posted by Jacko

liquid tests are definitely the more accurate of the commonly available ones, so if they say 7.6 with 2 different ones it's most likely right.

Lowering it to a suitable level for your gudgeons or future angels wouldn't be difficult, you could use peat moss in the filter or use RO water at water changes mixed with your tap to bring it to a better level.

If setting up a new tank, would it be possible to put peat moss under the gravel? Would that bring the pH down a little bit? I think that's why my Gudgeons aren't breeding yet.

**Jacko** · 10-09-2009, 12:34 AM

take one out, let it dry and do a vinegar test on it, but if it comes out of your tap at 7.6 and comes out of your tank at 7.6, I don't think the rocks are buffering it any lol

**Jacko** · 10-09-2009, 12:36 AM

Originally Posted by Chrisinator

If setting up a new tank, would it be possible to put peat moss under the gravel? Would that bring the pH down a little bit? I think that's why my Gudgeons aren't breeding yet.

I would go with ada amazonia personally, just cuz it works so good at lowering my ph to a perfect soft water level... but yeah, you could put a layer of peat on the bottom of your gravel if you wanted to, my problem with that is that it tends to come back to the surface... but I'm kinda vicious with water changes :P

**Chrisinator** · 10-09-2009, 12:36 AM

Thanks so much Jacko! :D I got a little confused too! And also, the max the pH test is 7.6, could it be higher than that?

EDIT: Is Ada amazonia expensive? Im thinking of Pool filter sand right now, or just buy tons of black sand.

**rich311k** · 10-09-2009, 12:37 AM

They make a high PH kit which goes to well over 8.

**Red** · 10-09-2009, 12:40 AM

Yeah, but they do, but like I said 7.6 is fine. You should not be lowering it, besides with driftwood. Anything else becomes a pain, and in the long run will kill your fish.