VISITOR'S QUESTIONS
16... pH Keeps Rising
This sounds like pH rebound, this is usually the case
when using conventional pH adjusting products, and no sooner it’s adjusted
it just returns to its original pH . However you tell me that you have
used "Proper pH " and it still returns to the previous pH , I am surprised
this happens because this product actually fights against pH rebound
and should keep it stable, this has always been the case when I use
it.
How long after using the proper pH does it go back
up? The product does have to be used continually, it isn't just a one
treatment cure, i.e. repeat treatment when carrying out water changes,
or when pH test indicates a change of more than 0.2 pH . Your tap water
could very well have a high pH value, authorities harden their water,
which raises its pH , this is to make more palatable for us, among other
things.
There is of course the question, why is the pH going
up?
If your pH is high then it is probable that your water is high in calcium
bicarbonate, this is an effective pH buffer, and acts against processes
which try to change pH , the most likely cause is calciferous materials
in your aquarium. All things in your aquarium should be "inert", i.e.
rocks and gravel must not contain lime or chalk or any other calcified
material. If you test your water for hardness you'll probably find it
to be hard, water hardness and pH are closely linked, therefore you
will need to soften your water, which will also bring the pH down.
In the long term as an aquarium ages its pH will come
down of its own accord due to all the bacterial activity going on, especially
when filtration is really good.
So, what can you do? First make absolutely sure you
don't have any water hardening materials in your tank. Test your tap
water's pH ; if it's high try to use water with a lower pH to carry
out water changes until you get the water more stable. Put some pieces
of bogwood in your tank, this will reduce its hardness and pH , although
this won't have an immediate effect. Dilute your water with rainwater
(filter it first for 24 hours through carbon), or use distilled water,
and monitor, until the desired value is reached.
A bit extravagant this, but I'll mention it anyway;
Use a reverse osmosis (R.O.) unit; this will clear all the impurities
out of your water, as well as softening it. The problem with reverse
osmosis is that it is actually “too pure” (having removed all the minerals
as well, not to mention their cost); the secret is to mix the “pure”
water from the R.O. unit with dechlorinated tap water, until you get
the right mix. If you start with a mix of around 60% R.O. water and
40% dechlorinated tap water, it shouldn’t be too far out, but check
it yourself until its correct.
Alternatively water-softening products are commercially
available.
My best bet would be that you have something in your
tank that is a water hardening agent, as mentioned above, find the source
and remove it and things should settle down in due course.
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