PH ??

[freddelafuente@gmail.com]

Hi Guys,

I was cycling my tank and tested my ph. it was 8.1 but before that it was 7.4 (aged water w/o ammonia)

My question is: adding ammonia increased my ph?

Thanks,

[raglanroad]

before it is cycled, ammonia is said, by some, to raise pH. Iis this water already aged water?

Dave

[Alight]

ammonia is quite basic, and will raise your pH. The amount will depend on your KH (higher KH, less rise). I assume you are adding ammonia to cycle your tank, right?

When ammonia is converted to nitrites, then to nitrates, the result will actually be a net decrease in your pH, because of protons released in the reactions. (effectively producing nitric acid).

So adding ammonia to an uncycled tank, or having fish in an uncycled tank will increase the pH. Adding ammonia to a cycled tank will result in ammonia being converted to nitrates and the pH will decrease.

[freddelafuente@gmail.com]

Thanks for your help guys. At least i know that what caused the ph to go up. Its my 3rd day to add ammonia to the tank.

readings are:
am = 4.9
no2 = 0
ph = 8.1