Low ph and kh

Question
Hi Chris,

I have maintained a 30 gal tank for approx 3 years now.  Since the beginning, I have had a low ph problem.  In the past I have tried just about everything the equilibrize the ph (increasing air turbulance, removing natural ornamemts, and many more).  Recently, I have come to the conclusion that it is due to a low kh.  The ph in my tank is at most 6.0 (the lowest the testing solution displays).  The kh in my tank is less than 1 degree.  My tap water has a ph of approx 7.0 and a kh value of between 1 and 3 degrees.  I have read all about effects of kh on ph and about proper ph 7.0 but have been trying to avoid it as I do not like extraenviromental additives.  Also, I do get lazy from time to time and it may be 3 weeks (rarely but it does happen) between water changes.  I am concerned that if I get lazy while using the proper ph it would be more detrimental than if I leave things alone.  

Basically, my questions for you:  Should I perform more regular water changes to increase the ph (maybe once a week) or should I give the proper ph 7.0 a shot and stick to my 2 week water changes?  How difficult is it to maintain ph using the proper ph 7.0?  Do you have any other alternative suggestions?

Thanks in advance for your help; this is really needed.  

Answer
Hi John;

I don't usually recommend altering the pH at all, but yours is perilously close to a dangerous low. It should not drop below 6.0 or your beneficial bacteria can start to die. The 'Proper pH' product causes fluctuations which is much more stressful to your fish than leaving it where it is. Once it begins to lose it's effectiveness the pH changes again. It can also be expensive to continue using. It would be safer and more gradual to add limestone, marble, shells or crushed coral to the tank. If you use crushed coral just put it inside some brand-new and rinsed nylon stockings. The knee-high type work well. You can just tie a knot in the top. Rinse the crushed stuff to remove dust too. It can make the water cloudy. Putting it in stockings makes it so you can remove some if the water becomes too hard. For marble, limestone or other larger pieces just add or remove as the pH changes. Monitor the hardness and the pH over the coming weeks to make sure it remains stable. You will find a middle ground eventually so you know how much you need to just leave in there all the time.

Water changes aren't going to make the pH any higher unless the replacement water is harder and higher in pH. Water changes are essential though. It's good you are aware of that. Partial changes of 25% every week are needed. If the pH does not begin to rise after a couple of weeks, add more rocks. Just don't sacrifice making water changes to let the harder water stay in there. Just add more rocks to compensate. You will find the right balance. Keep the water wll circulated too. Adding an airstone with an airpump would help. It keeps the beneficial bacteria healthy and sometimes the pH will rise a bit too.

Let me know if you need calrification on anything.....

At Your Service;
Chris Robbins