My water PH level

[BlueBull]

Hi

Finally got my hands on a PH test kit.

The water in my Discus tank gives a PH reading of 6.0 and I am wondering is it ok? What I have read is that Discus prefer lower PH levels.

How should I lower the PH further? Is it necessary to lower it further?
Will Blackwater help?

thanks!

[Carol_Roberts]

A pH of 6.0 is plenty low! In fact, you may have very soft water and need to watch out for pH crashes. :o The normal nitrification process wherein ammonia is converted to nitrIte and then to nitrAte acidifies the water. Minerals in the water buffer this action. If you have few minerals to begin with (soft water) the pH has a tendency to drop to a point the discus can be very uncomfortable or even die. :-\ Daily water changes add minerals back, but some folks have water so devoid of minerals they have to add RO Right or sea shells to their tank.

[BlueBull]

Oh my Gawd!!!
What should I do then???
What is a suitable PH level for my Discus? How can I get my PH up?

[Carol_Roberts]

Lol, I'm not trying to scare you! Don't mess with your pH if you don't absolutely have to.

Your pH is probably just fine - just monitor your pH for a few weeks to see if it changes in your tank over time. With daily water changes it may be just fine.