Archivarium 2004

[Daniel]

I am currently cyclign my new tank for the kribs I was planning to get and I read they like about a pH of around 7. My pH is currently 8.2 and I was wondering what I could do to lower it, and if there was any other conditions I need to set for them if I want them to breed. The tank has a few live plants and Lots of slate that makes tunnels, caves et.

[benedictj]

Your first line of attack would be to start adding some peat moss to your filter. Peat slow releases acids which will breakdown your waters hardness and buffering capacity, which will lower your pH and overall hardness. Unfortunatley, this method doesn't provide much control, so you keep a close eye on how it reacts with your water and adjust the amount you are using accordinly.

If you don't get good results with peat, you can either find a source of Reverse Osmosis water or purchase a Reverse Osmosis filter. Reverse Osmosis filtration removes nearly all of your water's hardness. Since it is so soft, it is generally best to mix it with regular tap to achieve the level of hardness you are going for.

If peat fails and you don't have the cash on hand to pick up an RO unit, you can use distilled water safely. Again, you'll probably want to mix this with tap to achieve a safe level of buffering.

Hope that helps...
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Best,

Jake

[jynxy]

Also I've heard using bogwood helps lower pH too.

[mshortri]

I have a pair of kribs in a hard water/high pH tank, and they are doing great - breeding like crazy. Now, my pair were bred in Florida where everybody has hard water, so YMMV. But in my experience, Kribs are pretty hardy as far as water hardness and pH are concerned. The only caveat is that the sex ratio of the fry will depend on the pH - hig pH= more males.
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Maura

[Daniel]

thanks for the help, its odd though isnt high pH linked to hard water?... because I have a water softner for my house and I thought that would help... also I read kribs like slightly brackish water, is this true?

[benedictj]