My substrate

Nater76

Sprouting

Offline

United States

Posts: 6

My substrate

« on: July 03, 2010, 04:21:10 PM »

I use just a regular brown gravel substrate. I am fine with that kind of substrate, but i have a problem with my ph. I have taken everything out and my ph is consistently 7.8. I would like it to be more neutral since I have plants and also some of the fish I read about that I want prefer 6.8 to 7.3. I am guessing there is limestone or something in the rock substrate even though its for aquarium use. The aquarium shop I go to they say not to worry about it. This is a good shop so I respect what they say, buy wouldnt my plants do better at 7.0 than 7.8? Should I worry about .8 change in pH. Was just wondering anyones suggestions. I have tried buffers and all, and the water I add has 7.3 ph. I really hope I dont have to take that gravel out, since this is my only tank. Thanks.


	Report to moderator Logged

EMc/

Administrator
Budding

Offline

United States

Posts: 2050

Re: My substrate

« Reply #1 on: July 05, 2010, 11:10:28 AM »

Bringing pH down is not all that easy. And yes, fish are surprisingly adaptable. I think you should follow the advice you got from your lfs & don't worry about it. BTW, what sort of fish are we talking about?


	Report to moderator Logged

Check out my Applesnails page

My Gallery Images

Nater76

Sprouting

Offline

United States

Posts: 6

Re: My substrate

« Reply #2 on: July 06, 2010, 01:07:25 PM »

I have just barbs and the normal things. Pleco, some catifish. I will be adding some raphael catfish and some rainbow fish thats about it. The pH concern was mainly for the plants. I would like my plants to be in the best environment to grow, so I was wondering if it would be better for them at the lower pH. I do know that many things in my garden would grow better in a 6.8 soil than a 7.8 for and example. Thanks