how to lower ph

[shamsoo]

hi, after mixing 80% ro water and 20%tap water following are the readings TDS50ppm GH 3 (54) KH 2 (36) ph 7.7 , ph seems to be high for breeding , I have 2 choices phosphoric acid or sodium bi sulfate, I understand after adding one of this chemical , it will increase conductivity and TDS , so I have to mix more RO water and lesser tapwater and then add chemical to get required readings or to FORGET lowering down ph to avoid ph :bounce2:

[Ardan]

If you really have to lower ph, I'd recommend the phosphoric. Just a small amount in the water and then let the water sit and stabalize (up to 24 hrs) before adding it to the fish tank.

Ph 7.7, some have bred discus at this level

sodium bisulfate is usaully used in swimming pools and adds sodium too.

hth

[shamsoo]

thanks Ardan

[Carol_Roberts]

Try breeding without lowering the pH. My pH stays around 7.6 and I get babies

[Steve_Warner]

Hi all,
Shamsoo, with that low of a conductance, your pH will naturally drop in the tank due to a healthy Bio-cycle. My opinion would be to leave your pH alone, 'cause you are risking a crash by adding acid to water that soft! Your discus will be fine in pH like that.

Steve

[lwarctic]

I have the exact same problem as Shamshoo. I mix 80% RO and 20% tap and still get a 7.50 PH. My TDS is about 100-125. Should I mix more RO water with tap to get my TDS down even more? I have some 1 year olds I'm trying to pair up. Please give me your opinion. Thanks, Les

[shamsoo]

thanks Carol and Steve, but what about this theory that male is less fertile on alkaline side,