How can i get the ph in my fish tank down?

Question

i recently re-setup a tank i had in storage for some time and now no matter what i do i can not get the ph to go down.i`ve let it run for a few days i`ve used water conditioner when i set it up and i`ve tried using some ph down but it doesn`t seem to be making any difference.right now the ph is running in the mid 8s.anybody have any good tips on what to do or any good chemicals to use?

Answer 1

Most bottled water is just tap water in a bottle with a fancy label.  If you want to lower the pH, there are two methods: removing ions (reverse osmosis, deionization) or adding acid (peat moss, driftwood, carbon dioxide).  The first two are easier, and the mixture of purer water with tap water will provide fair dissolved minerals and a lower pH.  Adding driftwood or peat will leach tannins into the water, which are acidic.  Be very careful with this and take it slow-- you can easily cause the pH to tank if you put in too much.

EDIT: Say what you mean.  Mean what you say.

Answer 2

Water often reverts to its original pH no matter what chemicals are used.  Changes in pH from one number to the next (from 8 to 7, 7 back to 8, etc.) is very stressful to fish - more stressful than a steady, but high pH.  Trying to change the pH in your tank is a slippery slope once you've got fish in there.  Changes in the pH scale are felt 10-fold by your fish.  And it is difficult making sure you always have water with a lower pH around in the form of bottled water.  

The best advice is to stick to the pH you have available.  I live in the South and the tapwater here has a pH of between 8 and 8.5.  I haven't had any trouble keeping my fish in it.  Good luck!

Answer 3

I wouldn't bother trying to change the PH in your water.  As has already been stated, it will tend to fluctuate and go back to it's normal PH.  This is stressful for your fish and may result in your fish being more prone to diseases.  Also, using bottled water is not really a good idea.  Many times the minerals and everything is removed.  Fish need the natural minerals in the water, so dechlorinated tap water is probably best.  As long as your fish are conditioned to the PH in it they will be fine and better off in the long run.

Answer 4

Try using bottled water. . . .the ph is always low and i have to raise it in my reef aquarium . . you dont even have to use a conditioner in bottled water