Question: Lowering pH

[Creepella]

I'm having trouble lowering the pH of my tanks. It's at least 8 and often higher when I measure it. I've tried the API pH down product but it makes absolutely no difference.

The tanks are not cycled yet, it's been over a month since I set them up. I test the water and do 50% water changes every day because ammonia is still high.I use Prime as the water conditioner, and add a tablespoon of aquarium salt once a week. The axies seem to be fine, but will the high pH be harmful to them? I read it can make ammonia more toxic.

I tested the water straight out of the tap and pH is the same. Is there anything I can add to the water or put in the tanks to lower the pH?

 

[STCxB]

Do you have sand in the aquarium? Or a background made from concrete? If you do, these things can release ions into the water that act to buffer the pH and make it near impossible to change without some serious work, and you'd then have to do it every time you change the water. My pH is about that high and very stable with no issues.

 

[Creepella]

Do you have sand in the aquarium? Or a background made from concrete? If you do, these things can release ions into the water that act to buffer the pH and make it near impossible to change without some serious work, and you'd then have to do it every time you change the water. My pH is about that high and very stable with no issues.

I wondered if something in the tank could be contributing to the high pH. All I have is the play sand, some artificial plants and a couple of plastic resin tank ornaments.Then I decided to test the water straight from the tap, no dechlorinator or additives - same pH. I think it originates from the pipes, as I live in an older building. The pH is stable, always the same reading no matter what I add to the water. The axies seem fine, so it's good to know that they won't be affected by the high pH.

 

[STCxB]

Yeah, high pH is mainly an issue because it makes ammonia more toxic. But if there is no ammonia, there's no problem!