measuring and adjusting PH

[stannyblade]

using the 6 in 1 test strips I measured the ph in my tanks and its down to about 6.2

questions

1:- what do the rest of you use to measure PH? anyone use a digital one? if so which?

2:- How do you all adjust your PH? (without RO or HMA)
been told bicarb but is it safe or will it crash on me

 

[Doodles]

I use liquid kits for PH, i find them to be more accurate than test strips but if you want even more accurate results then a PH meter is best as long as calibrated correctly. They vary greatly in price, I would imagine the more expensive ones are better but I think the cheaper ones do a good enough job.

When you say your PH is down to about 6.2, is it dropping by itself?

From what Ive read over the years bicarb is one of the more stable ways to raise KH and not GH plus the PH will rise and be more stable, its probably what I would use if ever needed. Theres some more info here

http://fishprofiles.com/faq/begin-chem.php

anyone else have any input or opinions?

 

[scatz]

i use a ph meter (pen type) easy to read and instant, no fussing around.

is the ph dropping to 6.2? or is it always 6.2?
stability is the key with ph, if your tank is stable at 6.2, i wouldn't touch it or try to adjust it, plecs come from soft acidic waters so 6.2 is very good, so long as its stable

 

[Irene0100]

I use a cheap electronic one, its fine.
i would not add bicarb, might upset the fish.
to lower ph use rain water/ro or blackwater extract or bag of peat or more wood...
to raise it add egg shells, norfolk tap water (lol) or some buffer.

 

[Doodles]

Personally I would avoid buffers that you buy by the bottle, it can be very difficult to maintain stability. Egg shells aren't a bad idea also crushed coral works but bear in mind both of these will alter the GH too.

 

[stannyblade]

its sheffield water its c##p pretty much comeing out of the tap like it. I have recently added a stocking with cockleshells in.

So at around 6 dont worry too much then? It is stable at that as well