Fish noob with a few questions

Question

1) how to lower ph level

2)how to raise ph level

3)when doing a weekly water change do you use dechlorinator on the new water you are adding?

4) do you recommend water conditioner?

thank you in advance!

Answer 1

1) Ensure there are no calcium carbonate materials (coral, limestone, marble, cement, shells, etc.) in the tank, consider mixing reverse osmosis water in with your tap water, and possibly add some driftwood to the tank, or peat to the filter.

2) Add any of the above listed calcium carbonate materials (coral, limestone, marble, cement, shells, etc.).

3) Absolutely.  Add the dechlorinator before putting the water in the tank.

4) If you don't condition the water, your fish will be dead in days-- it's that simple.  Yes, I recommend it.

With that, be aware that altering the pH is a very easy way to kill fish, and is almost always unnecessary.