Help... pH Low

[raymus]

dear all.

my tank ph was as low as 4.5 as measure by meter.

for sakura shrimp, how much the ph should be.? is it 6.2 to 6.8 ranging?

how do i increase the pH? by doing major water change ?
my tap water in sin measure ard 8 to 8.4 .

anyone? currently GEX soil and just few java moss.

tks

[imke_j]

Hi Raymus,
pH of 4.5 is quiet to low; you should slowly(!) increase it up to 5.8 minimum (even if a around 6-6.8 is better). Ph is always lower in the morning; so always test it at the same time. I'd do a 20% water change with temperatured tap water now and bring in some O2/air to raise pH. Check out Retardo's article in the library, too. He perhaps have even detailled adivises for you. In sum, your GH/KH readings will probably be to low and effect this low pH.

[gr81]

Sakura can get wide range of ph, but 4.5 is a bit low
if you have tap so high, then best way is do water change.
I advise to change approx. 10%-20% several times to avoid ph shock jump.

[raymus]

tks for the replies.

currently i have no livestock in the tank. already transfer to my fren tank. so i might just ignore of shocking the pH in the tank. consider changing 50% of water from preparation of the water leaving over-night with anti- C.

guess. articles reflect that the ketapang leave actually lower pH.
i might have added too many into the tank.

anymore advices from senior keeper out there?

tks in advance

[gr81]

ketapang can lower very, I use 1 leaf to tank (60-80L).
How old is tank? New Gex can also make ph spike too.

[Samson]

I have also the same issue pH low but my ph 6 but i hope to increase until 6.5~6.8. I am using Amozonia II soil. I have try to use pH up from JBL but my friend advise not too. I also try to change my water many times but still the same. Now i put some coral sand to my filter hopefully the pH will go up. Cross my finger. Hopefully after i few days i will get my target pH.

[raymus]

Precisely. just did a water change at least of 60% or even close to 70%. immediately i measure the pH before filling into the tank was 7.8 or more.
after filling into the tank, the value remains as slow as 4.5. no different at all. very strange.
what was happening ?
samson, kindly update for any progress after adding the coral chips.. tks

and wat should i do , even after changing water does not help.

[imke_j]

Raymus: Patience is the road to success; after changing the water you must now wait because the pH is set by a chemical process. It's not like: chnaging ater and have an immediate reaction! Check your pH tomorrow morning again and wait a little bit more. Gla you had no shrimps in the tank yet

[Samson]

My pH when up already, yeah! yeah! i think coral chip work but only can been seen on the 2nd days. Now my pH maintain at 6.5~6.8 will continue monitor the pH condition. Please note that put itter by litter of coral chip to monitor the water pH a few days only add if the pH still low. I just bought 5 crystal red shrimps today i think is grade C. Good luck.

My tank link - Tank Setup - Aquaclay Ground for my CRS tank setup
http://www.shrimpnow.com/forums/showthread.php?t=4882

Don't know how to link to my Thread. sorry

[raymus]

My pH when up already, yeah! yeah! i think coral chip work but only can been seen on the 2nd days. Now my pH maintain at 6.5~6.8 will continue monitor the pH condition. Please note that put itter by litter of coral chip to monitor the water pH a few days only add if the pH still low. I just bought 5 crystal red shrimps today i think is grade C. Good luck.

My tank link - Tank Setup - Aquaclay Ground for my CRS tank setup

Don't know how to link to my Thread. sorry

Oh. was relieved that u managed to increase the pH. i just added in the coral chip today. hopes i get good news tomorrow. only add in around 5- 6 small pieces into the HOB filter.

btw, Samson, whats your tank temperture for keeping CRS grade C ?