Backyard Aquaponics
A place to discuss aquaponics

Hey Guys,

We have recently had a couple of fish deaths and on testing the water found the Amonia and Nitrates are sitting on 0ppm, however, the Ph seems to very acidic down around 6.0 or lower.

SO, I am guessing i will have to raise this back up to be a more neutral level.

What is the best way of doing this?

Last time i salted was about a month ago, and since then i have had to remove quite a bit of water from the tank due to rain fall.

So would the best way be doing a water change in effect like you would for aquarium?

Thanks


Grumpy

Your salt is probably all gone so add some more. Easiest way to raise ph is to put some shell grit in the growbeds under the water returns to buffer the ph up. Works slowly but will keep the ph buffered till it is all eaten up by the acid. Adding a small amount of Eco Rose will also raise it a bit and give a potsssium boost

I am using Calcium Hydroxide and Potassium Hydroxide to raise my pH. Works fairly well. Calcium Hydroxide is sold at most hardware stores as Hydrated Lime.

Amazing. Everyone talks of low PH but I have the reverse problem. Been adding acid for a few weeks now and once I get my ph down to 6.8, by the next morning it's back up to 7.6! Water is very hard with a high alkalinity. Normal ph is 8.4 after the Co2 is liberated from the well water via aeration. Originally it's 7.4 out of the borehole.

I'll get it but it's like fighting a living entity!

Sounds like fun Cecil (not). Probably have to adjust every time you top up, wait, and then adjust again before adding the water to your system. Keep at it

Cheers

Shell grit is probably the easiest way. Use a removable mesh bag so you can take it back out if the pH starts to go too high. If your pH isn't coming back up or if you think you need an extra kick to get the pH started upward then adjust your top up water NOT the fish tank. The pH should change no more than 0.4 pH points (although some fish can take way more than this don't push your luck). Calcium Hydroxide, Potassium Hydroxide and Potassium bicarbonate will all work for adjusting the pH up. The Hydroxides are stronger bases than the bicarbonate. The bicarbonate will add more buffering capacity though so they each have their advantages. Information on amounts to use is guesswork because the buffering capacity of your water really determines how much you need. Adjust the top water only.

Potassium Hydroxide (KOH) - Used to raise pH and add potassium. 1 T / 1000L every few weeks.

Calcium Hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) (Hydrated lime or Brickie's lime or slaked lime) - Used sparingly and with caution (caustic) to raise pH and add Calcium. Probably adding about 1 tablespoon per 1000L until you figure out what works for your system is a good start. Remember not to change the pH more than .4.

Potassium Bicarbonate - I don't have an amount listed for this so can't help you with this. I think it will be more than used for the hydroxides even though it adds buffering capacity but haven't tried it.

Shell Grit (one form of CaCO3 (calcium Carbonate))- Used to raise pH and add Calcium (Put in a cloth bag so it can be removed from the system, hang in sump or place under outlet)