So, you have a lovely aquarium at home, right? And you are here either you are pretty concern about the pH of your beloved fish tank. But, you don’t know how to control it. Don’t panic. In this article, we are going to learn how to increase the pH levels in the aquarium naturally.
First, we are going to give you a brief knowledge about what is pH.
pH is nothing but a measurement scale that indicate whether water is hard (water that has high mineral) or soft (water that contains low ions).
Normally 7 is the ideal PH level of pure water. Usually below 7 of ph level in water is considered as acidic water while over 7 is considered as basic (alkaline). The ideal pH level of aquarium is 6.5 to 7.5. normally most of the fish are comfortable in the aquarium water with this ph level. But, some fish need a lower or upper level of ph level in aquarium water. If you want a relaxing life of your beloved fish than you need to pay due care and extra attention.
Causes of Low pH In Fish Tank
There are too many reasons for low PH in your aquarium water. But overplus of CO2 is the main reason for low PH in your aquarium water. Apart from this, tannins from the driftwood and nitrification stage, biological filtration, low maintenance are included.
Natural Ways To Increase pH in Aquarium Water
Aquarium lover always faces too many problems for lower ph level in a fish tank. An aquarium lover can increase water pH levels in his fish tank both natural and chemical way. Honestly speaking using a chemical to raise pH level in your fish tank is not a good decision. Because it may affect your fish. It is better to raise your fish tank pH level naturally.
There are many natural ways to raise ph level in your fish tank, but there are 6 most necessary and effective natural ways.
- Crushed corals
- Dolomite chips
- limestone
- Macroalgae
- Adding baking soda
- Usage of aragonite Macroalgae
1. Crushed Corals:
Crushed corals are the most effective natural way to raise the pH level in the aquarium. High level of calcium carbonate consists of coral shells and skeleton. It will gradually improve the pH level of your fish tank. You will happy to hear one thing that crushed coral work without any side effect. Many aquarium lovers used crushed corals for making a natural sea surface in the aquarium. Crushed corals are very cheap in price and you will easily manage crushed corals where you live. Normally 1.5 cup of crushed coral for 20 gallons is effective. So you can use 7-8 cup for the 100-gallon water tank. Before use crushed coral in your water tank, you rinse them properly then put them in a mesh bag and tie the bag securely. After that, you simply place the bag where water can flow through it. Putting the mesh bag in the overflow box would be the best decision.
More Read [Top 5 Best Canister Filter for Turtle Tank]
2. Dolomite Chips:
Often we see some colored gravels in the aquarium, they are not only to increase beauty in the aquarium but also used to raise ph in the aquarium. Calcium and magnesium are rich in dolomite chips. Generally, dolomite chips used to decrease the alkalinity level in the water. Like crushed corals, dolomite chips is also available around you and you will not face any problem to find dolomite chips. There are no special rules to use dolomite chips in a fish tank, just drop it in your fish tank and it will gradually handle your low ph level in the water.
You Can Also Check [Best Canister Filter 2019: These Will Blow You Away | Ultimate Guide + Top 9 Expert Reviews!!]
3. Limestone:
Limestone provides the best service for both saltwater and freshwater. Limestones are one of the most helpful sources for calcium carbonate as like Dolomite chips. You shouldn’t get too much worried to collect limestone for your fish tank. Every construction area uses limestone, so you can easily collect limestone from there. Limestone is not only used to raise the pH levels in your water tank but also used to decorate your aquarium. Rinse them properly before putting them in your water tank.
4. Baking Soda:
Adding baking soda is another best natural way to raise ph levels in your fish tank. But you create a great problem if you mixed too much baking soda in your fish tank. Using over baking soda could kill your beloved fish. So it’s a better way to use the proper way. One teaspoon baking soda for 5 gallons is considered as safe. That’s mean you can use 20 teaspoon baking soda for the 100-gallon water tank. One important work you have to do before adding baking soda in your fish tank and that removes all fish from the tank. And wait for dissolve baking soda in your fish tank. Adding baking soda is not a one-time thing you have to add it more often.
You May Read [Quietest & Best protein skimmers- 2019’s top reviews & in-depth guide!!]
5. Seaweed/Macroalgae:
Macroalgae is nothing but a special species of Macroscopic Algae, Multicellular Algae, or Marine Algae. Rhodophyta (Color: red, Group: Eukaryotic Algae), Phaeophyta (Color: Brown, Group: Multicellular Algae) and Chlorophyta (Color: green, Group: Aquatic Photosynthetic Eukaryotic) are some of the common types of macroalgae.
Macroalgae is a large type of algae that mainly used in the aquarium for nutrients and also they play a vital role in controlling and capturing carbon in your fish tank. It works smoothly in saltwater. You might wonder to see macroalgae in the aquarium. Macroalgae is not only used to give a natural environment to fish but also used to raise the pH level in your aquarium water. Algae is also a great natural source of food for your beloved fish. You don’t need to work hard to get algae for your fish tank. You could easily get it from any aquarium shop by spending a few amounts of money. You just simply bring algae from the shop and let it grow in your fish tank. But you have to keep an eye on it just because it does not overgrow. If it grows disorderly, it could spoil your aquarium attractiveness.
6. Aragonite Microalgae:
The ocean is the main source of aragonite microalgae. So aquarium lovers could choose it to raise ph level in their beloved fish tank. minerals and calcium are rich in aragonite microalga. You can use Aragonite microalgae for both marine and freshwater. Use 2-inch thick substrate in the aquarium to get the best effect.
Check Our Top Post [Best HOB Filter 2019: The 8 Best Expert Picks + Ultimate Expert Guide]
Conclusion
pH level is very important for your beloved aquarium fish. So you should always maintain an ideal level of it. Early morning and late evening is the best time to check your water pH level in the aquarium. One important matter you should remember that always use a valid test kit, otherwise, you will fail to know the actual water condition of your aquarium.
Leave a Reply