Does anyone use Almond Leaves to lower pH and soften water?

[bill6148]

My tap water is around 8.0-8.4 and stays the same when aged 24-48hrs, TDS are over 200ppm. I want to soften and lower pH a bit before my first purchase of Discus and looking for a natural way to do it.

[smitty24]

Best advise is not to mess with it. I have discus in a ph of 8.2 and they are doing GREAT! If you mess with PH then you are going to be chasing the PH all day. Unless you are planning on breeding leave the PH alone. If you are trying to breed them then add one or two leaves and let it rest 48-72 hours, then test PH. Then keep adding a few and test again in 48 -72 hours.

[bill6148]

Thanks for the reply. No plans on breeding them. I'll let the pH be and not worry about it.

[Filip]

Thanks for the reply. No plans on breeding them. I'll let the pH be and not worry about it.

You'll constantly have to match the PH for waterchanges witch would be imposible with anything other than RO unit
Just let it be and focus on waterchanges efficiency .

[Lewjo11]

My aged water is always 7.7 PH. I am now over whelmed with 3 separate spawns ...6 weeks . 3:weeks and now a pair waiting to attach...there all around 50 to 60 fry per pair. PH no important. That is unless you want over 100 fry..too much in my opinion..stress!!awww

[bluelagoon]

Leaves and wood take time (days) to lower PH, with all the large daily 50% WC's and frequency that discus require they don't do a good job in lowering ph in that length of time.

[bluelagoon]

I know of some one that hatches with a high rate and raises discus in a ph of 8.4 without a hitch.Plus high in minerals.

[Filip]

I know of some one that hatches with a high rate and raises discus in a ph of 8.4 without a hitch.Plus high in minerals.

And do you know what are his tricks :) ?

[bluelagoon]

Consistency seems to be the trick; this guy DIY king, has high mineral content but a ph 7.6. from his well..He used to own our local fish forum. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kGBKo9yy6Uk&t=1073s. I can't find the video of the higher ph breeding.