Getting a Cichlid tank

Question

How do I maintain the proper ph of 8.0

Answer 1

your ph will go up and down and change you won't ever keep it at 8.0 exactly, but to keep it in check you can buy ph up or ph down

Answer 2

What kind of cichlids?  Most South American cichlids do great with a pH of 7.0.  The Africans may do better with a pH of 8.0, but I never had a problem keeping them neutral.

Answer 3

Amen to Potts here!!  People should know that the word Cichlid includes a large group of species from all different parts of the world.  That being said though, if you are aiming for a PH of 8.0, this usually indicates Africans, however, Central Americans, some of them also thrive well in this PH range, so please do narrow down which fish, species in particular, you are trying to keep.

In regards to the PH, the best way to deal with this is actually not even focusing on the PH itself but rather keeping your KH reading up.  A higher KH reading will in turn raise and keep your PH stable at the higher reading.