Hi I recently bought a mixture to raise ph in my tank to 7.5. This was done ok and all the fish are happy. However I have noticed a brownish tint to water. What might cause this? Regards Paul

do you have any bogwood in the tank. this can give off a brownish red colour and can lower the ph if used in large amounts.

Is that a phosphate buffer?
Some algae like phosphates.

Hi thanks for the reply I do have two pieces of bogwood in the tank. Could raising the ph caused it to react? The PH treatment I used is called Proper PH 7.5 and is a phosphate buffer. the fish are fine and brownish tint is just an observation rather than emergency. I think the water from my taps is hard so should I use a water softener too? regards Paul

do you have test kits? if so can you tell us what the readings are from your tap water and then one for the tank water? if not then the local pet shop should be able to do this for you.

bogwood can color your water. from tannins leaching into the water, I think.

Hi the ph of my tap water is 6 and the tank around 7.5. There are no nitrites or ammonia. I am adding the ph buffer to all the tap water I put in. I change 20% once a week. Regards Paul