Good way to lower pH

[Huntress]

LOL Thanks everyone. I'm sorry I didn't mention it. Yes it will be a planted tank. I have a couple of bags of fluorite black on the way, but could I just get peat moss at Homedepot or is there special stuff for aquariums? I found peat moss and peat pellets and some stuff by Miracle Grow on the website. The blackwater idea is a fabulous one. I'm definitely going to look into all that. My test kit is on its way too so I'll have an accurate reading of the tapwater in my neighborhood. Where I used to live in west Houston back when I kept fish before, the pH was almost 7.8-8.0, but if it's lower now I may not worry too much. Here's my $64000 question (and I Googled it already and still stumped) where do I buy/get alder cones? Thanks a bunch everyone, especially mist for the great ideas. :) I'm so stoked!!

[LordBarron7692]

yeah that would be awesome

[mistahoo]

A very thick layer of peat moss capped with fluorite is a good idea. You'll need a lot of peat moss. You could do a blackwater tank. That would so beast! A 1" Amazonia layer and a 2-3" peat moss layer with IAL and Alder cones littered on top. Driftwood for hardscape. RO water and watch it turn dark! Then use LED spot lights to give off the dark and eerie look to complete the blackwater effect. You won't need CO2, and the pH will hit 6.0-6.4 in no time!

[LordBarron7692]

Peat moss will also lower pH but not very much and you have to use a good amount.

[mistahoo]

IMO: you shouldn't bother. Most fish sold here are in our water already. Also CO2. the co2 would be for plants but seachem is safer. Just IMO. only...

+1 for fish already being acclimated to our waters. I wouldn't add CO2 or Seachem Excel unless you're doing a planted tank.

[mistahoo]

enler cones, indian almond leaves, ro/di water, amazonia soil, our tap water is between 7.4-7.8

+1. Alder cones (not enler cones). Tap over here is around 7.4. If you really want to go with lowering the pH, substrate is your best bet. It will lower the pH and hold it for a long time. CO2 will definitely lower it, but to about 6.8-7.0 depending on how many bps you do. Some will say Seachem Excel (liquid carbon) is safer, but I completely disagree. It's just as dangerous as CO2 for your livestock if handled/dosed incorrectly. Once, I accidently dumped too much excel and within seconds, the fish were jumping for air.

[jeb102385]

as long as you keep an eye on the co2 you will be fine. are you doing a planted tank or just trying to drop the ph?

[troy tucker]

IMO: you shouldn't bother. Most fish sold here are in our water already. Also CO2. the co2 would be for plants but seachem is safer. Just IMO. only...

[jeb102385]

ive always used almond leaves. but you caould try throwing driftwood into the tank, that works as well

[R_sustaita]

enler cones, indian almond leaves, ro/di water, amazonia soil, our tap water is between 7.4-7.8

[Huntress]

Since I'm putting together an Amazon set up I figured I'll go all the way and get the pH to 6.5-7.0. I haven't tested my tap water yet but I'm pretty sure it's hard like a rock and high in pH like everywhere in the area. I've heard peat moss works well and was thinking about using it as my first layer under the fluorite or adding granules to the canister filter media container. Any thoughts? Should I not bother? I will be doing a DIY CO2 thing as well. Maybe that will be enough? It's been so long since I've been out of the hobby, I may as well be a newbie.