How to Balance the PH in a New Tank

A beautiful well-maintained fish tank filled with healthy and well cared-for fish can be as enjoyable to watch for the fish keeper as it is for other family and friends when they look into it. A lot of factors go into creating a healthy tank, one of which is the pH level. While it can take work to know how to balance the pH in a new tank if you're just starting out, with a little time and supplies, you can manage your tank and help your fish thrive.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• PH test kit
• PH High
• PH Decrease

1. Research online or in a fish keeping guidebook to find out the desired pH levels for the types of fish you want to keep. Often, knowing the preferred pH will help you select fish that are compatible if you haven't chosen them already.

2. Scoop a sample of water from your tank up to the fill line with the test tube. Add the correct number of drops of the indicator solution from your kit to the test tube. Cap the tube and shake gently.

3. Compare the color of your water solution to the indicator chart from your kit to determine your current pH. Determine if you need to lower or raise your pH for the types of fish you are keeping. Neutral pH is 7.0. Below this indicates more acidic water, and a level higher than 7.0 shows your water is more alkaline.

4. Add pH High or pH Decrease following manufacturer's instructions based on which way you need your water to be changed. Most dosages are given based on the size or number of gallons for your tank, so knowing this will give you the correct amount of treatment.

5. Repeat your pH test 24 hours later to see how your pH has changed. If needed, repeat addition of a treatment solution to the water as directed on the packaging.

Tips & Warnings

• Regular monthly testing of your tank's pH will help you keep an eye on your water quality. If the pH is not where you need it to be on any given month, a single, occasional treatment is typically enough to get your tank back on track.
• Don't be in a hurry to adjust the pH too quickly. Even when it is unbalanced, your fish (while they don't prefer it) are accustomed to it. Don't make more than a 0.5 decrease or 0.2 increase in pH over a 24-hour period or your fish may suffer.

References

• Aquarium Fish; Ulrich Schliewen; 1992

Resources

• Freshwater Fish Listing Information