Buffer to raise ph

[tito206]

Hello guys can someone tell me of a good buffer I can use to raise the ph in my tank to 8.5 and provide my african cichlids with the trace elements of Lake malawi? I am currently using microbe lift 8.5 ph but it's not working for me it's been 3 days that the water has been sitting in buckets and the ph has not come up.

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[Austy16414]

This is what I use and it works like a charm.

http://www.cichlid-forum.com/articles/buffer_recipe.php

[Austy16414]

Much cheaper than pre-made buffers and works just as well, if not better.

[tito206]

Ok thanks I will give that a shot

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[Austy16414]

It sounds like you have something to check pH, so just add round after round until you reach your desired level. Once you get it down, you can just add the exact same amount each time you do a water change (assuming you always do the same volume of water changes).

[LordBarron7692]

What do you have in the aquarium most of the areas water comes out of the tap at around 8.0 give or take here in bellaire it comes out around 8.2 so really no real need to buffer unless you personally want it that high.

[tito206]

I have mbunas ib my tank water comes out of tap at 7.6

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[armthehomeless]

I have mbunas ib my tank water comes out of tap at 7.6

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I'd prefer that over having fluctuating water chemistry.

[tito206]

I'd prefer that over having fluctuating water chemistry.

Well the problem is I have something in my tank that raises the ph in the water that I change but it takes like 24 hrs I think it my be the gravel and I don't want to be dropping the ph every time o do a water change. I rather let the water sit in buckets before the water change so that the ph can match my tanks water


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[morpheus]

personally i dont really chase the perfect pH. a stable pH is more important.

mbunas adapt very well to many different pH levels. my tap is 8.0 as well, but the pH does settle a little below that over time. my mbunas still do great. i did add some larger chunks of limestone/coral rock too just to keep it elevated. i also have large pieces of driftwood, which can lower my pH so the rocks offset it. i think i am around that 7.6 range.

adding buffers may or may not work. it depends on your hardness (KH). if you have hard water, like most of houston, it will resist pH change and settle in its own zone over time no matter how much buffer you add.

[LordBarron7692]

well how have the fish been reacting to water changes, and how often do you do a water change?

[tito206]

well how have the fish been reacting to water changes, and how often do you do a water change?

They swim away fast and hide I do a 25 to 30% water change like every 4 to 7 days cause I'm trying to bring my nitrates down

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[LordBarron7692]

what size tank is it? Have you taken a ph reading on the tank after a water change?

[tito206]

what size tank is it? Have you taken a ph reading on the tank after a water change?

It's a 90 gallon tank and yes I have done a ph reading on the tank after a pwc it reads 7.4 on the high range

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[LordBarron7692]

wow ok so what is it before a water change.