pH

i just tested my pH and got a value of 7.7, is this acceptable for a FOWLR tank.
i read that adding baking soda would raise it, is this safe?

any idea of how much would be necessary for a 80 gallon tank?

 

i think that ph is acceptable but try to raise it between 8.0 and 8.3. I have a product made by Kent called Superbuffer-dkh and it works awsome. Ive never tried baking soda but just be careful.

 

I think that is too low. Baking soda is safe to use. I'm not sure how much you should use.

 

Baking Soda

Go slowly......say, a small spoon in your sump in the A.M.....test.......more in the P.M. if need be.

 

I would dissolve it in some RO before you put it into your tank. I don't know how much is enough, but start with about a teaspoon and you'll be good..

 

Baking soda works. The recipe is 1 teaspoon per 20 gal. Now, this is baking soda not powder. You must mix it in some fresh water and add to a high flow area of tank i.e. in front of a power head or in the sump if you have one. Remember, the rock and substrate displace water so a rough estimate is to subtract about 10-15 gal. from what you think you have, but add back in the amount of the sump if applicable. Add every day until you reach the target of 8.2-8.4 then wait a couple of days to see what the fall off rate is. After raising to the desired level usually a weekly dose is adequate to maintain a stable tank.

 

thanks for the info. i'm going to use the baking soda for the while and see how that goes.
thanks again

 

I would try to bring it up a bit. Are you running a glass top?

 

nothing on top yet, going to build a canopy soon