Cories & high pH

**gronlaura** · 09-24-2012, 11:16 PM

I think I know the answer, but any chance of keeping cories in hard water with a stable pH of 8.2? I have tap water treated with mucho chloramine and am getting advice from forum members about working with it. I love cories, but everything I have read says I won't be able to keep them. Will probably have to buy the water from the LFS, which is de-ionized.

My tap water:

Ammonia 1.0ppm
Nitrites 0
Nitrates 0
pH 8.2-8.4
TDS 418
KH 60

Thanks.

**steeler1** · 09-25-2012, 05:21 AM

Buy some organic peat moss and filter it through a filter bag through your filter. This will soften the water and lower the PH. Make sure it's organic peat though.

**mizzoutank** · 09-25-2012, 01:17 PM

8.2 is pretty high

but if it makes you feel any better I have an EBR who's recommended pH is 5-7 and I'm rocking a 7.6-7.8 pH range-he's doing just fine, happy and dandy. Been near 6months with him no issues.
Just acclimate them appropriately and you'll be alright.

I'd go w/ what steeler1 said as well as some driftwood will help lower the pH. Not by much, but anything helps.

**dmagerl** · 09-25-2012, 02:59 PM

The pH of my tap water is off the top of the chart. My cories are fat and happy.

**gronlaura** · 09-25-2012, 07:50 PM

Got a copy of my city's latest water report - the pH has gone as high as 8.99, average of 8.63, lowest 7.95. My tap tested 8.3.

I have decided I will be buying water from the LFS where I will get my fish. They suggested I cycle the tank with my water and then do a 100% water change with their water after the cycle is done.

Thanks to all for your input. It's great to know that as a beginner, I'm not in this alone.

**mizzoutank** · 09-25-2012, 07:57 PM

8.99???

That is insane and borderline not healthy for you to drink!

I wish we could to a cheaper work around because purchasing water will add up quickly. Could you collect rain water? and then warm up to match the tanks temp?

**gronlaura** · 09-25-2012, 08:19 PM

Rainwater not possible - we had a bad drought this year. Would never collect enough water.

I have checked with all the bottled water suppliers and the LFS is by far the cheapest at .75 a gallon. And the proper additives are already in the water. I just have to pick it up and drive it home!

I also considered a second conditioned water tank for water changes, but my pH is VERY stable and will be hard to adjust. I also have 1.0ppm ammonia.
It's not worth risking the lives of my future tank mates.