Tropical Fish Forums

[Arturo]

Hi everyone!

I just want to know different methods of lowering pH. I know about driftwoods and tannin(?) acids. Would carbon remove the acids? What other products lower pH? If carbon removes the acids, what other filter material could I use?

Thanks

[Darkblade48]

Driftwoods will leech tannins which will cause discolouration as well as lowering the pH.

Activated charcoal would remove the tannins.

Peat moss and Indian Almond Leaves will slightly lower the pH. Carbon dioxide will also lower the pH.

As for carbon, there really is no need to use it, unless you are specifically trying to remove something from the water.
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Anthony

[katienaha]

sorry to steal your thunder, but since it's kind of related - other than esthetic purposes, is there any need to remove tannins from the water? Are any fish out there harmed by tannins? My tank is getting stained from my driftwood, but I kind of like it
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Let the current take you where you may not always want to go.

[Maestro]

Nope, the tannins cause no problems as far as what I have seen.
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2500 gallon (9,450 L) Koi Pond
15 gallon (57 L) Low-light planted
6 gallon (23 L) Betta splendens

[monstrosity]

People use the tannins to create tank themes, such as Amazon acid pool themes.

Arturo, carbon is also used for plants, not just to get stuff out of the water. I reccomend using co2 to lower your tank's pH, because it's great for plants, too.

Another method used to lower pH is adding peat moss to the filter. Just put it in a filter media bag or pantyhoes, and put it in the filter.
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29 G

[Darkblade48]

[Arturo]

That's exactly what I was talking about Darkblade48

[snausage]

If you aren't squeamish about adding chemicals, I've had great success with API's pH down.

[Darkblade48]

[snausage]

Another option is adding peat moss filter media. Fluval manufactures it, but you'll have to purchase one of those special nylon media bags (like 7 bucks for a name brand).