When I set up my tank I added CorrectPH by Jungle and that knocked my PH to 7.0. Two days ago I tested for PH again and it's high out of range of my test kit... I then added another CorrectPH and that made the PH 7.0 again. Then today I tested again and the PH is out of range again! Why can't my tank keep its PH?? I suspect it might be because I'm using a buffer to change the PH instead of adding acid...
Also, does anyone know if my carbon filter will filter out the buffer?
What other factors could cause the PH to rise?
I'm going to get some PH Down after work today and see if that'll help.

p.s. Have no had water changes since last time I put CorrectPH in. Tested right afterwards and it was 7, it's been the same water since... have not added chemicals besides Cycle

I would just stop with the pH changer. Your pH bouncing around like that is much deadlier than a pH of 8.6 as long as its stable.

Yes, liquid buffers and powders do bounce the pH around alot which puts a lot of stress on your fish, does the water from your tap come out at that high pH? if you keep the pH stable at that level, the fish will adapt, as long as it's stable, it's much better than the water being too acidic. if it's not the water from your tap, then it's something in your tank, what sort of gravel do you have? and decorations? also whats the KH (carbonate hardness) of your tank? It's better to eliminate the source of the problem than adding quick-fix powders to your water, safer for your fish, and in the long term safer for your wallet!

Hi there.


Is there any reason why your using the pH regulator?

What is the pH of your tapwater? And after letting it sit out overnight?

What is the KH of your tapwater? And the GH?


These will all need to be known to help you correct any imbalances your tapwaters pH has. Otherwise, a steady pH is fine between 6.8 and 8.4 ......


Post back soon.

Paul

PH from my tap water is high... again, out of range of my test kit
What baffles me is just that after I add the buffer, I test for 7... then merely 2 days later it becomes so high again! It's like the buffer is unable to stabilize it...
I tested the water hardness today and it says medium, which is okay... (I used strips)
I don't have kits to test the other stuff... in any case, my fishes seem okay now...
Could the water PH be affected by the ammonia in the water? My tank is still breaking in. I remember from high school chemistry that ammonia is basic or something...

I had the same problem a while ago, exept my pH would bounce all the way back up to 8.1ish after a few hours. I did some testing and research and I found that it was because my kH (the pH buffer) was way high off the test chart lol. I was advised to just leave alone, as my high pH is okay for fish as long as it is stable. Adding chemicals and having a pH all over the place isn't good for your fishies

Its true that ammonia is more toxic at a higher pH. But you have to first see if your pH can remain stable first. By stable, we mean, to not drop.

If you are using a low range pH test kit, youll need to get the highrange one for your tapwater chemistry.

KH is what keeps your pH from flopping around. If its too low, the pH will begin to drop within days. If its too high, the pH will be too high as well. Knowing the results from your tapwater is a key element in keeping your tanks water chemistry right.


Remember, stability, not the actual pH is what is important.

Paul

What's KH? They sell this water-softening pillow at my local pet shop, will that help?

kH is basically what keeps your pH stable. If you've got a low kH, the pH can move up and down the scale. This is not good; a pH that is all over the place will weaken fish. Also, a low kH will leave your pH suseptible to pH swings. pH swings are very very deadly to fish. A higher kH will keep your pH in the same spot and stable Remember that kH can change too tho, so it is important to test for kH as well. I hope this helps

Do you have any coral, shells, or anything saltwater-ish basicly, in your tank? do you have any rock decorations that may effect it?

no, the water softening pillow probably won't help.
What's the range of your pH test?
What are your GH and KH?

A safe way to reduce pH would be to mix your tap water with either distilled or R/O water. but until we actually know what your pH is I wouldn't recommend messing with it.

Do you have an ammonia test?