aquarium Ph

Question
QUESTION: Hi i was considering getting an RO system installed ($300)to allow me adjust my ph easier using buffers as it is currently causing my tank to go all cloudy every time i do a water change. During our last 3 rainfalls i gathered a sample of water and tested its ph,and i was amazed to find its ph to be exactly 6.5, perfect for my discus/angelfish tank.I am just wondering if you can see any ill effects to using it for water changes? we live in the country side so it should have little or no contaminates and it has to be better than adding chemicals to my tank? your time on this matter would be much appreciated.

thanks

ANSWER: Hi Simon.

Modifying the pH of a tank is a very tricky thing.  Water has incredible buffering qualities and this can make stabilizing the pH very difficult.

It's far more important to have a stable pH than the "Correct" pH.

Here is a good article on pH and modifying it:  http://www.aquaria.info/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=369

You don't mention what your pH is in your tank at the moment, but unless you are planning on breeding your discus it's likely they will be fine in the tank as it is.

The first thing I would do is test your tap water to see what the pH is.  You can then decide if you want to use R/O water to supplement the tap water.  Using rain water can also be a safe alternative if it is collected and stored in a non toxic manner.    If you decide to use rain water make sure to store it in a container that won't leach any chemicals into the water.  

Sean


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: well my tank ph is about 6.7 and my tap water comes out at about 7.5 so i use a product called "ph down" by API, but it causes the tank to go all cloudy for days, discus are a beautiful fish but there is no point having them if you cant see them :) have u ever heard of people using rain water in the past?


Answer
Simon,

I think the best is to leave things as is.  pH is greatly affected by the hardness of your water and is very, very hard to change and stabilize.

Discus will be ok in water of 7.5 pH as long as you aren't planning on trying to breed them.

I have heard of people using rain water and as with RO you will want to mix it with your tap water at a 50% rate when using it in your tank.

Sean
Owner - FishGeeks.com