do I need to lower my pH...?

[yardbent]

evening all..!

got my TDS pen
Scottish Water says 39.23
my tap is 040... well at least the pen works.!

also bought new API Master Test Kits (old ones were 5yo)
tap pH = 7.2
ammonia, nitrite and nitrate all OK at zero
PO4 = 2
dKH = 4
dGH = 6

planning a 112L community tank with 15+ shoal of Tetras, 6+ Corys ( yes I finally ordered sand ) and 1 Betta

also a 45 L Shrimp tank
I think the pH will be OK for the shrimp - but what about the Tetras and Corys....?

I have bought 2 large Red Wood roots and lotsa Catappa leaves for the 112L ...is that sufficient...?
or should I lower the pH...? how safely...?

cheers

[fr499y]

Keeping it stable is more important. Nothing wrong with that ph so don’t go chasing numbers.

[yardbent]

thanks - as that makes pWC so much easier

[plankton]

The ph doesn't affect the fish normally. It will affect any fry gender.
The things that affect fish are hardness and TDS.

[Stephen]

A stable pH is more important than a fluctuating pH.
Scottish water is generally soft so avoid species that need hard water.

[FishBubs]

And always keep a small bag of crushed coral to keep a stable ph if in scotland like myself. I have coral in my filter and am stable at 6.8.

[Martinspuddle]

Interesting to see this thread has had over a 1000 views already. For further reading on the subject, do read @Stephen guides.



Links: pH, GH, KH; what they are and raising or lowering pH, GH and KH

Hard Water, Soft Water and Fish below

[yardbent]

hello all.......sorry for no replies...been in Hospital and rehab for a broken hip since 3rd August
- having fallen down the stairs with brittle 83yo bones

lay immobile for an hour before an ambulance found the cottage....
to all those with elderly parents .... please instal a ''Fall Alarm System'' especialy if they are alone

back home now - still wont be setting up the new tanks any time soon....

[Martinspuddle]

Sorry to hear this John. Speedy recovery my friend.

[plankton]

Ouch! Sorry to hear, get well quickly.