dropping pH

Question
Hi Chris  The pH in my tanks has dropped to under 6.0 despite weekly water changes. Any ideas as to what might be causing this? I change my filters monthly too. I'm trying a buffer product to raise pH but am afraid to use too much. What should I be doing?  Thanks, Steve

Answer
Hi Steve;

Oh my, that is very low. Vacuum the gravel more often and add more air. Getting some circulation going in there will help a great deal. A good air pump with an air stone will do the trick. Often, there is excess waste in the tank causing acidity. The extra vacuuming will help get rid of it, and the extra oxygen will help the beneficial bacteria really get active and consume more waste. Cut back on feeding at the same time and see if these things help.

If you have a water softener on your household water system, see if you can bypass it to fill your tank for water changes.

I hate adding buffers because it can make the pH fluctuate so much that it stresses the fish. Natural measures are always best if they will work.

Followups welcome

At Your Service;
Chris Robbins

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