How long until PH stabilises?

[dravyn]

Hi,

I'm hopefully getting my tank in the next few days, I've got a good selection of holey rock plus some coral chunks in one of my filters. Out of the tap the PH is 7.0. If the PH is going to rise due to the rock and coral, how long can I expect the rise to take before it stabilises at the new level? Days/weeks?

Cheers.

[Link2Hell]

@dravyn

seeing as you are setting up for Malawi you will need to adjust 

what you will need to know is the pH, kh and gh from your tapwater

and what the tank is then you will know how much to adjust the water

to correct your parameters

normally hardness is low and pH is approx 7.2 in my area but may be

different up there

you want to try to get your pH to between 7.5 and 8.5 the stability of

this is from your kh level as it is the carbonate harness that does this

rather than the trace elements and minerals that make up your gh levels

what test kits do you have ?

do you have kh buffer or just malawi/rift salts ?

have a look at this link  http://aquapics.com.au/InfoSheets.html

 

 

 

 

[dravyn]

Malawi yes.

I figured I would have to adjust but I thought the coral and holey rock would increase the ph on it's own and then I would have to adjust the difference? Unless I'm wrong?

I've got api and jbl kits.

[Link2Hell]

the coral rubble will act as a buffer but you need to get the parameters into the range first

test the water and compare results then you will have a direction to take

JBL are a better kit

[dravyn]

Ok so tap water is;

PH 7.0

GH 71.6

KH 35.8

[dravyn]

Also I don't have any buffers/salts. Which do you recommend? 

[Link2Hell]

@dravynso the tapwater needs to be conditioned up for Malawi 

you want it 7.5 - 8.5 pH

I prefer about 8.0 pH as it is easier when staging in fish from lower parameters

kh you want around 150 - 200 ppm  (8-10 deg)

gh the same between 150 - 200 ppm (8-10 deg)

you need to test the tank water and compare readings

see what your local stocks or buy online

Aquapics is Aussie made in Melb good product and Scott is a great guy

Seachem is good product US made

Continuum is good also

make sure you get a kh buffer first and bring the water up to 150ppm

then check the gh and adjust from there

I'm guessing you still haven't got fish yet so that makes it easier when adjusting

maybe look at a 200 litre barrel to pre-condition your water in seeing it is only 7.0 pH

just do it in steps and note the amounts and the results

nice water for South Americans or West Africans 🙂

 

[dravyn]

Thanks. No fish yet. Have to sort the water and do a cycle.

I'll get the stuff I need and work it out and get back to you.

Cheers

[Jason]

Just wanted to give @Link2Hell a pat on the back.   Perfect advice for anyone that is figuring out the whole water parameters part of our hobby.   Great job Chris taking the time to go into detail in your replies.

On another topic as to why people would want fish from that lake is beyond me   The better fish come from a lake that is close starting with a T.  

I use the Aqua-Pics GH and KH conditioners.   Great product!     Not sure if it's related or just coincidence but noticed increased breeding activity in my tropheus tanks when I first starting using these products.     

Cheers,
Jason