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HomeHomeAquaristsAquaristsCichlidsCichlidsHow to correctly raise PH?How to correctly raise PH?
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04/06/2012 17:08
 
I would like to raise my PH for my cichlids (community lake malawi) since I am unhappy with it - it has always been around 7 and I wish to raise it up and maintain it at PH 8. I am using crushed coral as a substrate and aquarium (400ltr) has now been running successfully for 2yrs. I also use cichlid salt with the right dosage as inscripted on the product. First of all, are baking soda and baking powder the same thing? I don't think they are, as baking powder contains also phosphate and cornflour apart from the sodium bicarbonate. How much baking soda do I need to add? And I presume it should be added gradually, right? And then top it up after the regular water changes, right? Any help is much appreciated! Thank you in advance.
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04/06/2012 20:28
 
Hi Brian,

you are right Baking Powder and Baking Soda are different and also used under different conditions.  An extract I found explains that

Baking soda is pure sodium bicarbonate whilst Baking powder contains sodium bicarbonate, but it includes the acidifying agent, and also a drying agent (usually starch).

First of all try to use Baking Soda and try using a measure of a tablespoon of baking soda per 25 litres and after a day check the ph if it reaches around 8.2.  Now if I where you I would half this dose and see if the makes an effect.  Our Water is already hard on it's own so it could be that you need to identify the right dosage.  Do this slowly and let a day or two to stablise.  Manipulating ph with such agents can have quite some effects if an incorrect swing happens so better to proceed bit by bit.

Actually I think I can give you a better advice.   Keep some water from the next water change.  Ideally a known quantity and not such a small one.  Perhaps 20 litres, measure the ph and then add a tablespoon of baking soda.  Either use a power head or else agitate well the water for quite some time.   Leave it for a day and then agitate again and re-measure the PH.   This way you will achieve the right dosage without risking to harm any of your fish.
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05/06/2012 04:54
 
Thanks a lot Trevor for your prompt and informative reply. I'll try it out on my next water change and let you know the outcome - Brian
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09/06/2012 06:30
 
hi there was wondering what kind of stones have u got in in because usually they raise the ph pretty well

frank
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Yesterday @ 14:11
 
Qwerty, add the sodium bicarbonate gradually and in small amounts until the KH is about 9 degrees. This should then act as buffer to stabilize the pH, but obviously you must control other important factors which have direct effect on the pH such as overcrowding, gravel cleaning, water changes, filter maintenance, etc. Try to aim for a stable KH, the pH will then become more controllable and stable.
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HomeHomeAquaristsAquaristsCichlidsCichlidsHow to correctly raise PH?How to correctly raise PH?


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