Ideal/perfect ph for CRS breeding

**jonathandowers** · 18th Apr 2011, 05:58 AM

I'm having a hard time finding the ideal/perfect pH for CRS.

Getting a range of opinions between 5.8 - 7.0.

5.8 sounds a bit too low (dissolving shells), while 7.0 is just neutral. Any advice from experienced breeders?

**escape** · 18th Apr 2011, 08:11 AM

Ph @ 6.6 works perfect for me plus all the other parameters (i.e. GH 6-8, KH 0-2, Temp 23...) plus weekly quality water change (i.e. low TDS & DOS...). Then allow nature to take it's course. Use Mosura & Shirakura products too ...

**jonathandowers** · 18th Apr 2011, 08:37 AM

Originally Posted by escape

Ph @ 6.6 works perfect for me plus all the other parameters (i.e. GH 6-8, KH 0-2, Temp 23...) plus weekly quality water change (i.e. low TDS & DOS...). Then allow nature to take it's course. Use Mosura & Shirakura products too ...

Any experience with lower pH?

**escape** · 18th Apr 2011, 08:47 AM

No. Factored the PH level of tap water in WA, Australia, which has a PH of 7.1, used Aquasoil & CO2 to control PH @ 6.6. Depending on your local PH level, practicality prevails for me, as I didn't want to be fighting and struggling with a much lowered PH. People seem to have numerous success with varying PH's, so as long as it's within the range, and all other parameters are within the CRS's requirements, it's all good.

**jonathandowers** · 18th Apr 2011, 09:01 AM

Originally Posted by escape

No. Factored the PH level of tap water in WA, Australia, which has a PH of 7.1, used Aquasoil & CO2 to control PH @ 6.6. Depending on your local PH level, practicality prevails for me, as I didn't want to be fighting and struggling with a much lowered PH. People seem to have numerous success with varying PH's, so as long as it's within the range, and all other parameters are within the CRS's requirements, it's all good.

Wow, do people usually CO2 in breeder tanks? Any tips on managing that (or are you doing a constant light)? I'm concerned about the ph swings as well as the lack of oxygen.

**Anubia** · 18th Apr 2011, 09:33 AM

Originally Posted by jonathandowers

Wow, do people usually CO2 in breeder tanks? Any tips on managing that (or are you doing a constant light)? I'm concerned about the ph swings as well as the lack of oxygen.

Look up some posts on the CRS links from MananaP.....excellent posts on very good planted/ breeding CRS tanks whilst he infuses C02 24/7.....Nice guy too and will certainly help with any questions regarding C02 / CRS. He has excellent results with CRS (solid white colouration), high grade species.

Plus it's a good read....!!

**escape** · 18th Apr 2011, 09:46 AM

I breed my CRS in a planted tank, so the CO2 is essential. The PH controller ( x 1 Tank) or bubble count (x 2 Tanks) is just an insurance of PH fluctuations..etc..Never had any issues with O2...etc.

**foxpuppet** · 9th May 2011, 12:11 PM

escape are you happy with your co2 setup? what do you use?

**escape** · 9th May 2011, 12:36 PM

Hi. Yes, I've no doubt the CO2 setup with my nano tanks is really beneficial and essential. I have 2 tanks that uses a PH controller (one with the up aqua, and the other is a large CO2 refillable tank). The other 2 tanks uses the up aqua disposable cartridge. The CO2 controls any fluctuations of the PH, plus it provides my plants to grow, allowing for a balance ecosystem....

My CRS's are breeding extremely well, and have very minimal deaths.

So yes, I'll never have a tank without CO2.

**countcoco** · 11th May 2011, 03:57 AM

I've had much better breeding results with pH 6.0-6.2 than I ever did with pH 6.4-6.8.

The big problem with maintaining a lower pH tank (<6) is that it's very difficult to maintain a stable colony of beneficial bacteria. It's probably not for the beginner, as it will require a bit more monitoring and a complex filtration system. For instance, many Japanese breeders seem to prefer a pH around 5.5, but they use like 3 cannister filters on a 60 liter tank.