How to Adjust the pH of Water

When dealing with home aquariums, you will almost inevitably have to face the challenge of altering your water's pH level. A measure of water's acidity or alkalinity, pH is an extremely vital factor that affects the overall health of your fish. Fortunately, pH can be both lowered and raised fairly easily and without the use of chemicals that could potentially harm your aquarium's inhabitants.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Peat chips
• Crushed coral
• Mesh bag
• Rubber band

Adjusting pH

1. Fill the mesh bag with crushed coral if you want to raise the pH or peat chips if you want to lower the pH.

2. Close the bag tightly and seal it by tying the rubber band around its mouth.

3. Rinse the bag under the faucet with fresh water to eliminate any loose or excess dust.

4. Place the bag within your tank's filter's chamber so that water filters through it.

Tips & Warnings

• This method is very effective for altering the pH of aquarium water by safe degrees. If you're looking to change the water's pH directly from the faucet, then use a water ionizer, which is a relatively new product that uses an electrical spark to change the pH of water as it spouts from your faucet.
• Using crushed coral to raise the pH or peat chips to lower it is safer than the common chemical buffers often found in pet stores. Peat or coral will not quickly and drastically alter the chemistry of your water. Avoid chemicals because improper use could lead to rapid fluctuations of your water's pH and shock your fish, causing potentially fatal stress.

References

• Aqua Hobby: Adjusting pH