Lower the pH value in the aquarium: You have these options

What should you generally pay attention to regarding the pH value in the aquarium?

Whether the pH value is in the “green range” depends on which fish live in your aquarium. What is quite pleasant for one species of fish may no longer be so for another. It is therefore advisable to find out which types of fish have roughly the same needs and requirements when it comes to pH value when purchasing, or better yet before purchasing. If you put fish with conflicting needs in the aquarium, no one will be really happy in the end, neither humans nor animals.

The scale on which the pH value is measured ranges between 0 and 14. A pH value of 7 is considered neutral. You can find out how to proceed if you have determined that the pH value is too high in the following section.

How can pH be lowered?

If you have noticed an increased pH value in your aquarium, you can start with Care products from the pet store try to normalize the value. Of course, you have the choice of whether you go to a brick-and-mortar store or order online. However, the local specialist shop has the advantage that you can describe your concerns personally and receive personal advice from the specialists present.

A high quality water purifier, that is tailored to the needs of the fish you keep can also wonderfully prevent a pH value that is too high.

After you have treated the water, you should check the pH value again after 1 – 2 days. If it is still too high, it may make sense to To increase the CO2 content of the water. The easiest way to do this is probably CO2 tablets, which are added to the water according to the instructions for use. You can achieve a similar effect by adding additional fish or other suitable water creatures.

Another, but more expensive, option would be to use one CO2 system, which is equipped with a gas bottle and is connected to the aquarium. But even with such a system, you cannot avoid regularly checking the pH value and other parameters in your underwater world and adjusting them if necessary.

Are there home remedies that can be used to lower the pH value in the aquarium?

Two particularly popular home remedies for keeping the pH value within a tolerable range are alder cones or peat. Some aquarium owners also recommend using vinegar, but this is associated with high risks for the fish. There is a risk that the pH value and other values ​​will fall beyond reasonable limits and the fish will become sick.

However, this cannot happen so easily with alder cones or peat. The rule of thumb is that alder cones are useful for smaller aquariums; peat is recommended for larger ones.

Alder cones have these advantages

In addition to lowering the pH value in the water, alder cones also have a positive effect on the health and well-being of fish and other aquatic animals in many ways.

They are good for the mucous membranes and gills, have a slightly disinfecting effect and are anti-fungal. The water turns slightly brown, but it still remains clear. This coloring is very close to a natural living environment and has a calming effect on your fish.

In addition, alder cones can serve as a habitat for microorganisms, which can make a valuable contribution to maintaining the health of aquatic life. Alder cones slowly decompose in water and can also serve as food.

How many alder cones do you need for your aquarium?

One alder cone is recommended for every ten liters of water. The effect on the pH value and the other positive properties last for 2 - 4 weeks, after which you should remove the remains and insert new cones if necessary.

Collect or buy: These sources of supply for alder cones are available

Of course, you can wander through the forest with your eyes open and collect alder cones yourself. If you don't have the opportunity or time to do this, you can also buy alder cones for aquariums from a pet store. You should clean the cones you have collected yourself to remove sand and coarse dirt under lukewarm water. However, boiling is not necessary as this would also destroy the valuable active ingredients of the alder cones.

Peat as a home remedy for a good pH value in the aquarium

Anyone who has never dealt with this material in more detail will perhaps have the earth-like substance in their mind's eye, which can also be found in gardens and parks. There are special peat products available for use in the aquarium, such as fibers in a pot or granules. Special peat panels are also available.

Peat has these advantages in the aquarium

The benefits are very similar to those of alder cones, with the difference that peat can also lower the pH in larger aquariums. Peat also benefits the plants in your underwater world. Healthy plants mean less algae formation.

To what extent should you use peat in your aquarium?

This depends on how many liters of water it contains. A look at the packaging of the peat granules, peat slabs or peat pots will provide you with more detailed information.
The recommended source of supply is a specialist aquarium store because you can get harmless, uncontaminated products there. At the same time, the specialist staff will advise you on the skilful use of peat.

Are there any disadvantages to using peat?

Peat can cloud the water significantly, especially if the dosage is too high. This usually bothers the fish less, but it can be a disadvantage for your plants in the water because they no longer get enough light. And of course also for yourself if you can no longer see your underwater world. There are also voices from the world of aquariums that report an increase in nitrate and phosphate levels. However, this should be checked from time to time anyway. If the peat is used in the aquarium in the right amount, the advantages outweigh the benefits. Especially in larger aquariums.

As you can see, you can lower the pH value in your aquarium using both liquid water conditioners and natural home remedies. Which of these you prefer remains your individual decision. In any case, we wish you many years of enjoyment in your underwater world!