Habitat - Indoor :: Need to lower my pH

[herpin'hippie]

I was wondering what is this forums acceptable method for lowering pH without resorting to 'magic potion' LFS bottles? If I ran all my water through a pre-filter, as described in your Water Change System with Integrated Tap Water Filter, would that get me towards a better pH after changing the water a couple times? I am currently treating my water with Seachem Prime prior to adding to the tank.

My last (and okay you got me, only so far) pH test I did moments ago was at 7.6

[ljapa]

Why do you think you need to lower it?

Turtles are much less sensitive to ph than fish. And, 7.6 is fine for them. Besides its much cheaper not to try fighting it.

[herpin'hippie]

Because this is a community tank and I have fish that would prefer it closer to a 7.0

[ljapa]

Ok, a few thoughts first and one possible suggestion.

One ph test isn't enough. Stick tap water in a bucket, and the ph will often change over 24 hours. If you have any plants, or even algae, your ph will vary throughout the day. Plus, unless you are looking to breed, fish that prefer a ph of 7.0 should do fine in 7.6. But, first you need to see how consistent that 7.6 is.

You're right that the bottled additives aren't the answer. You could consider peat, either in your filter or presoaked in buckets for water during water changes:

http://www.skepticalaquarist.com/peat-filtration

[VeipaCray]

Most community freshwater fish will adopt and will thrive in a range of PH from 6-8. Hitting a perfect 7.0 doesn't really exist... not in nature either. What's best is a consistent PH... where there aren't wild swings.

ljapa's post is spot on.

[herpin'hippie]

Gotcha! Thanks for the feedback guys. I'll continue to check it and make sure it doesn't dip drastically.

[Kansasslider]

What kind of fish are in your turtle tank?

[herpin'hippie]

I've got 2 rope fish, a generic pleco, an albino (looks more orange though) brisltenose pleco, with a few snails. There is also the random feeder fish that has eluded the ropes and the turtles, for now...

Edit: I realize all those fish should do fine at my current pH. I have been eyeing a brown ghost knifefish that my LFS has and the little information I could find about them seemed to indicate that it would prefer a pH a bit lower but since then I've had discussions that they would acclimate fine and just to avoid major changes in the pH, as was mentioned previously in the thread.

[Kansasslider]

That's a nice buffet.

[herpin'hippie]

Variety is the spice of life!