How to raise the pH level in an aquarium

Content

Steps
Method 1 of 3: Checking the pH Level
Method 2 of 3: Adding bicarbonate to the aquarium
Method 3 of 3: Change soil, add shells, remove driftwood
Tips
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The pH level of the aquarium water plays an important role in the health of the aquarium and its inhabitants. If it turns out to be too low, then this can be corrected in several ways. Gradually adding bicarbonates to your aquarium, changing materials used in your aquarium, and regularly cleaning your aquarium will allow you to successfully raise and maintain the pH value. And so that the pH value always remains at the proper level, it is necessary to regularly check this indicator using special tests.

Steps

Method 1 of 3: Checking the pH Level

1 Understand what a pH level is. When it comes to aquariums, the pH level reflects the amount of hydrogen ions present in the water. You can influence the pH level by diluting the old water with fresh water to reduce the number of hydrogen ions, or vice versa by adding molecules of hydroxides, carbonates or bicarbonates to the water. As the concentration of the corresponding molecules changes, the pH level will also change.
- For example, adding bicarbonate and hydroxide molecules to water will in most cases raise the pH level.
- Fossilized corals and bicarbonate aquarium substrates can also affect the pH level in the aquarium.
- Note that high pH levels can lead to ammonia toxicity, which gets higher as the pH rises. Therefore, be sure to check that the water is free of ammonia before raising the pH.
2 Determine the pH level suitable for your aquarium. Different fish do better under different conditions, and there is no one pH value that works for all fish. If you are unsure of the correct pH level for your aquarium inhabitants, check with your local aquarium store or pet store. You can also search for relevant information on the Internet or a library, or even ask a question to aquarist enthusiasts on a specialized Internet resource. Below are some generalized norms:
- marine fish generally prefer pH in the range 8.0–8.3;
- many freshwater tropical and marine fish do well at pH 7.0–7.8;
- Avoid keeping fish at a pH of less than 7.0 (unless you have adequate pH stabilization in your aquarium, for example with dense aquarium vegetation; however, most professional aquarists and hobbyists state that it is unwise and not recommended to maintain acidic pH).
3 Use a digital pH meter for a quick water check. Depending on the specific pH and alkalinity of the water, you may need to measure the pH once a day, week, or month, or after any significant changes in the aquarium. Digital pH meters are easy to use, but they need to be calibrated beforehand. After calibrating the device, all that remains is to lower its tip into water and read the readings. You can purchase such a device through online stores.
- Be sure to regularly calibrate the instrument to zero in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions, as they vary from device type and brand to device.
4 Use chemistry tests for a more budget-friendly option. Chemical testing includes several stages. The water test kit must contain a glass bottle, a color indicator and a pH test reagent. Be sure to always read the instructions that came with the kit first, as the specific steps for testing the water may vary. You can purchase pH test kits from pet shops, aquariums, or online stores.

Method 2 of 3: Adding bicarbonate to the aquarium

1 Measure out about ½ teaspoon (about 5.5 g each) of remineralizing aquarium salt to increase hardness for every 20 liters of water. Buy remineralizing aquarium salt to increase the hardness from the pet store. It usually contains bicarbonate and carbonate salts, which are more effective than pure sodium bicarbonate or baking soda.
- Do not try to drastically change the pH level in the aquarium. It is best to do this gradually, which is safer for your fish.
2 Dissolve the remineralizing salt in some water and then add to the aquarium. Add a little water to the measured amount of the hardener to create a solution. Slowly pour the solution into the area of the aquarium in which there is the greatest flow, so that the water quickly mixes and smoothly changes its parameters.
- Be sure to ensure proper aeration of the aquarium.
- If a filter is present in the aquarium, it can be left on during this step.
3 If the pH is still too low, continue with daily adjustments. After about 24 hours, check the pH level in the aquarium. If it still does not reach the required value, you can repeat the above procedure. Continue adding ½ teaspoon (about 5.5 g each) of remineralizing aquarium salt daily to raise the pH for every 20 liters of water until the pH is correct.
- If the addition of bicarbonates to the water, which increases alkalinity, does not increase the pH level, it will be necessary to pay attention to the concentration of carbon dioxide in the water. Carbon dioxide concentration is also inextricably linked to the pH level and alkalinity of water. When there is too much carbon dioxide, the pH value can remain low despite the increased alkalinity.
- When adjusting the pH level, check the alkalinity of the water. If necessary, partially change the water to reduce acidity.
SPECIALIST'S ADVICE
Doug Ludemann

Professional Aquarist Doug Ludemann is the owner and operator of Fish Geeks, LLC, a professional aquarium maintenance company based in Minneapolis. He has been working in the field of aquaristics and fish care for over 20 years. Received a BA in Ecology, Evolution and Behavior from the University of Minnesota. Previously worked as a professional aquarist at the Minnesota Zoo and Shedd Aquarium in Chicago.
Doug Ludemann
Professional aquarist
Our specialist agrees: "CO2 concentration, alkalinity and pH are related - you can't change one without changing the other."

Method 3 of 3: Change soil, add shells, remove driftwood

1 Fill the bottom of the aquarium with a substrate of crushed fossilized coral or limestone. Selected rocks and minerals can help raise the pH level in an aquarium. Use crushed fossilized coral or limestone as substrate. Add enough of this substrate to the aquarium so that the layer is about 1 inch (2.5 cm) thick.
- This aquarium substrate can be purchased at most pet stores.
- Before replacing the aquarium substrate, remove its inhabitants from the aquarium, as this procedure is quite dusty and raises a suspension in the water, which can have a negative effect on the gills of the fish.
- Wait a week before checking the pH level in the aquarium again.
2 Add two seashells to the aquarium for every 4 liters of water. Seashells contain carbonates that gradually raise the pH of the water when submerged. Buy raw seashells from a craft or pet store and rinse thoroughly with warm water. Place two clean shells for every 4 liters of water in the aquarium. Seashells dissolve very slowly, so wait at least a week before checking the pH again.
- Never put shells in the aquarium that have been varnished or painted.
- This step does not require any prior fish removal.
3 Remove any decorative driftwood from the aquarium. Many aquarists use driftwood to decorate their aquariums. However, driftwood contains tannins (tannic acids) that can lower the pH and soften the water. If you have driftwood in your tank, remove it immediately.
- It is not necessary to rear the fish in order to remove driftwood from the aquarium.
- Wait 3-4 days before retesting the pH and checking how it is affected by removing the snags.