How to Raise the PH in a Freshwater Aquarium Using Baking Soda
Check the pH of your tap water by pouring some into a large bowl and placing an air stone in the water. An air stone is a piece or porous stone, usually sandstone, that aerates the tank water. Wait 24 hours and test the tap water's pH with a pH test strip. Allow the water to sit for another 24 hours and test the pH again. The average reading over 48 hours is the true pH of your tap water. If it is 7.8 or below, it is considered "low," so you need to bring the pH level up.
If you determine that you need to raise the pH of your tank water make a solution by mixing 1 tsp. of baking soda in 1 cup of water for every 5 gallons of water in your tank. Add 1/4 of the baking soda and water mixture to your aquarium. Wait 30 minutes and add another quarter of the mixture. Continue adding baking soda solution until all of the solution has been used. Do not add the baking soda solution all at once. It will raise the pH too quickly and may kill your fish. Wait 24 hours and check the pH again. You should see a slight increase in the pH of the tank water.
Check the pH daily for a week. Your pH will continue to rise as the water aerates. If your pH raises beyond the optimal level for your fish, change your tank water. If your tank's pH is still below 7.8, you may add addition baking soda and water mixture.
Monitor your tank's pH daily to maintain a consistent pH. Freshwater fish can adapt to a pH that is less than optimal, but constant pH changes may shock your fish. If the pH level drops by more than .2, prepare the baking soda/water mixture and repeat the procedure.
Published by Kari Livingston
Kari Livingston is a freelancer writer living and loving life in the foothills of the Arkansas Ozarks. She specializes in local restaurants, attractions and family events. Her work has appeared on HubPages,... View profile
- Raise Your Body's PH Level for Better HealthWhy would you want to raise your pH level in the first place? Well, it all boils down to body chemistry. The higher your body's pH level the fewer toxins you're carrying around, which can result in a healthier you.
- Why PH Affects Plant HealthWhy do plants usually need a pH level between 6 and 7. Plants have adapted to thrive in soil that has a specific amount of acidity.
- Soil PH: Guide to Soil PH and Why It's Important to Growing PlantsSoil pH provides important information in various fields of soil science. One of the most important results from the fact that plants can absorb just the minerals dissolved in water, while the variation of pH alters t...
- Using Kalkwasser to Raise Calcium in the Reef AquariumDripping kalkwasser adds/replenishes calcium that is needed by reef aquarium inhabitants. It encourages the growth of pink and purple coralline algae and helps to keep the pH constant.
Debunking PH BalancingOne of the most popular myths in "natural" medicine is the myth of pH balancing. Learn why pH balancing is unnecessary in this article.
- How to Raise Body pH Level Quickly
- Baking Soda - More Than Just a Cleanser
- Going Green with Baking Soda
- Baking Soda for Kidney Disease
- What Would the World Be Without Baking Soda?
- 25 Amazing Uses for Baking Soda You've Never Thought Of
- Easily Raise Your Pool's pH Level
- Baking soda can be used to raise the pH of freshwater aquariums.
- Careful monitoring is necessry to prevent shock to your fish.