Low pH level

I have a very low pH level 7.5.. and I have 2seahorses in my tank.. So i am afraid they might not survive... what should I do? how should i raise my pH level?

I try syphoning my sand as its 2inches.. So now I have to add more water to my tank.. and I was wondering does tap water usually have higher or lower pH level? any other QUICK tips on raising pH ?

All help appreciated!

Thank You!

 

You might need to get some fresh air above the tank. Might have CO2 build up in your home.

 

First of all, tap water on its own has approximately a neutral pH (close to 7.0, or sometimes lower), depending on where you come from. When you add your salt mixture it should raise the pH, especially once the saltwater is oxygenated.

If your pH is low, first of all are you oxygenating your water adequately? Do you have enough powerheads, and if so, are any of them directed to create some water agitation at the surface of the water? This helps oxygenate the water and raise the pH.

What salt mix are you using? What is your alkalinity measurement (if you know it)? Answers to all these questions will help us to help you better.

 

I have a 30gallon tank and i have a Hydor koralia 2 powerhead.. but my powerhead its like 2inches under water.. should i bring it up? Also my tank lid is fully closed.. should i open it up so air gets in? and the water used to be filled up all the way to the top.. it would even touch the lid.. is that bad? now there is half an inch between my water level and the lid (this is couze i was syphoning the tank so i took water out)

For salt i use Instant Ocean.. as for alkalinity the people at the fish store told me its okay but dont remember what was the number..

I have never oxygenized my tank? how do i do that?


Also after me syphoning the water.. how long should it take for the pH to raise? and how much water should I take out of my tank?

 

Siphoning your tank should not affect the pH of your water.

As far as your koralia 2, try angling it very slightly upward so that it creates ripples in the surface of the water. And definitely try uncovering your tank, either fully or partially (partially meaning that you can leave the lid slightly askew, or drill holes in it. The disadvantage of uncovering the tank is that more water will evaporate and you will have to top off the evaporation with fresh water (hopefully you will use RO/DI water and not tap water - there are just so many potential problems with tap water). The advantage is that it will help with gas exchange and keep your livestock happier.

Also, when you mix your salt water, it is important to let it age in a bucket/container for at least several hours (I do overnight) before adding it to your tank. Keep a powerhead at the bottom of the container pointed straight up - this will create lots of ripples in the water surface and help oxygenate it before you add it to your tank.

Hope that helps.

 

Thank You for your tips, I removed the lid completly to hopefully speed up my process of raising the pH... and will move the powerhead upwards...

Thank you all!

 

pH fluctuates through the day. The net consumption of carbon dioxide during the daylight hours, leads to some aquariums to become deficient in CO2 during the day, and the pH rises.If you are having dramatic fluctuations you can aerate the aquarium water to degass excess carbon dioxide. Also try using a salt mix with a naturally higher buffering capacity like Tropic Marin or add buffer to raise your alkalinity to help reduced the pH swings.

 

maybe use some kalkwasser mix via drip every week.

 

Is adding baking soda safe for my tank? I read that baking soda will raise my pH level... I am about to add water anyways.. so is it okay for me to add baking soda to my water?.. its a 30gallon tank.. i am planning on adding 5spoons

 

you can do a water change, try like a 35% water change or like 25% change like every other day maybe