Betta fish is a tropical, aggressive fish found in South East Asia, with many sub-species. The most peculiar feature about betta fish is exceptionally delicate towards any fluctuations in its tank parameters. Likewise, the ph of the betta tank is essential. It is crucial to know how to lower pH In Betta Tank if high.
Betta tank can have both high ph levels as well as low. Therefore, you could check the ph level through various tests and either reduce or raise it accordingly. The water you use, the tank decorations, the fish wastes, the substrate you use, how you clean the tank, and how often you filter the water all play a significant role in determining the ph level of your water. You might have a high ph level due to the leakage of calcium content from your coral sand substrate or the nutrients in the water. It is then necessary to know how to lower ph in betta tank. Hence, we have discussed how to do so in this post today.
What Is pH?
It is essential to know what a ph measure in water is before further discussion. A ph measures how acidic or basic your water is to put it into simple words. If the ph measure higher than 7 represents alkaline water, a measure below seven means acidic water. 7 is the neutral measure.
For a betta, which is a freshwater fish, the ph should range between 5-7. Anything higher must be treated immediately. An inappropriate ph level is considered to be a silent and deadly betta fish killer. Therefore, knowing how to lower ph in betta tank is a requisite for a betta fish owner.
A high ph level indicates the concentration of nitrites and ammonia in the tank water. Ammonia and nitrites can burn the lungs of your betta fish until they cannot breathe. Betta fish can survive in a ph range of 6.5 to 7. Anything apart from this might lead to detrimental effects on your fish.
If the ph is high or low in your tank, you could always check it. Some prior indications, too, might hint you of a high ph level or high ammonia content in the tank. Your betta fish or other fish, if it’s a community tank, might get sick more often. You might notice algae growth frequently in your tank and irregular swimming patterns in your betta.
How To Lower pH In Betta Tank: How To Check?
It is essential to keep ph level in check and know how to lower ph in betta tank or raise it. To check ph content in your betta fish tank, there are various tests you can do.
- Liquid tests. All you have to in this test is to take certain amount of water from the tank and add a few solutions to it provided in the kit. After that you will notice certain color changes in the water. Compare it to the colour chart that is provided. You will know the nature of your tank water.
- Digital tests, provide the most accurate ph level. You can avoid comparing colours charts and risking your fish’s life. But obviously it is expensive and is avoided by most betta fish owners. They also have issues breaking and damaging frequently. But they provided the exact ph measure of the tank water.
- Paper test strips, which are highly cheap and easily available in market but highly unreliabale as well. One just have to fip the strip in water and compare it to the colour chart that will indicate its alakline or acidic nature. They are easily influenced by other factors like air, sunlight, etc. therefore is not recommended for a betta tank.
How To Lower pH In Betta Tank: Methods
The first thing we want to warn you about is not suddenly reducing the ph level in your tank. Since betta is hypersensitive, it will go into shock with sudden water changes. Take the process of how to lower ph in betta tank slow and gentle, giving your betta enough time to adjust to the changes. Here are a few ways you can deal with alkaline tank water.
Adding Acidic Elements
The best way to reduce the alkalinity of water is to increase its acidic nature. Tannins are your answer to how to lower ph in betta tank. They are organically available in certain plants or shrubs that you can add to your tank water. Since you are putting a sort of weak acid in the tank, the ph level will reduce.
You can use almond leaves to raise the acidic levels of the tank water. It is the most reliable and secure way to do so. Along with that, adding driftwood or peat moss might help too. They also have healing properties. Almond leaves are often recommended to add to your tank if betta suffers from any fungal infection.
Carbon Dioxide Ventilation
Betta fish, like humans, breathe in oxygen and breathe out carbon dioxide. If the carbon dioxide levels are high in the tank water, your ph level will tend to be more on the alkalic edge. Hence, it is essential to know how to lower ph in the betta tank. The best way to ensure less carbon dioxide in the tank is to install enough live plants. They breathe in carbon dioxide and exhale oxygen, maintaining a natural balance.
Change The Water
If the ph of your tank is elevated, integrating ph reduction attempts by exchanging water is an excellent option. Testing tap water regularly to ensure that the concentrations are required is strongly advised. Tap water ranges from neutral to mildly basic, while pure water is relatively tepid.
Many enthusiasts choose to use clean water to maintain the level, such as distilled or RO water. Minor water adjustments should be conducted routinely until all aquarium water has been slowly transferred from groundwater to distilled/RO water. This would help your betta adapt to fluctuations in its own pace, and the process will be less stressful and detrimental for its health.
Adding Other Chemicals
Adding chemical should always be the last and temporary answer to how to lower ph in betta tank. Adding chemicals like vinegar in a minimal quantity can help you out for the time being. Still, we recommend not to make it a permanent solution because it can be dangerous for your betta.
FAQs on How To Lower pH In Betta Tank
Is 8.4 ph too high for my betta tank?
Yes, it is. The range of ph that betta can handle is 6.5 to 7. We suggest following the measures on how to lower ph in betta tank above almost instantly.
Why is my betta tank ph so high?
There can be many reasons for it. The substrate that you use, the water that you use, might contain many nutrients and calcium, making the water alkaline in nature and raising the ph level.
Will plants lower ph in aquarium?
Yes, plants can alter the tank’s carbon dioxide and oxygen balance and give another solution to how to lower ph in the betta tank.
Final Thoughts:
This was all we had to say about how to lower ph in betta tank. Your fish will have a prolonged healthy life with the best tank conditions, water conditions, proper filtration, an appropriate heater, and a properly balanced diet. Make sure to check the ph level now and then to prevent any mishaps in your betta tank.
