geleen Posted November 6, 2009 Report Share Posted November 6, 2009 Is there a guide as to how much crushed oyster to add to a 30 gallon tank to raise the PH from 7.6 to 8.5 Thanks John Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nyasa Posted November 7, 2009 Report Share Posted November 7, 2009 I think that you will have better success achieving a specific pH if you add baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) to your water when doing your water changes. I assume that you have a pH test kit. A little playing around with baking soda and your tap water and you should be able to find a consistent formula to achieve the pH you want. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crystal Posted November 9, 2009 Report Share Posted November 9, 2009 (edited) The more surface area the better, if used as substrate the stuff on the bottom were no water circulates doesn't help. I used to put some in the toe of a Nylon stocking and then in a filter. I had aragonite in my shelldweller tank and it was a consistant 8.4. My sand was constantly being turned though, my Multies were bulldozers in disguise... Edited November 9, 2009 by Crystal Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RD. Posted November 9, 2009 Report Share Posted November 9, 2009 John, If you add a media bag full of crushed oyster shell (in your filters) to a tank with a pH of 7.6, it should raise your pH to approx 8.3, as well as stabilize the KH between water changes to prevent any potential swings in pH. With regards to pH, I don't believe it matters how much you add, it won't raise your pH beyond 8.3 (give or take) , but larger quantities will raise your carbonate hardness. Baking soda will give you similar results, with an approx maximum pH of 8.3 Personally I prefer the crushed oyster shell method as there is no need to mix & add anything during or after water changes. When adding baking soda/epsom salts/marine salts directly to the tank water, it can take several hours for ionic balance to take place. For most species of fish, probably not a big deal either way. HTH Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
geleen Posted November 9, 2009 Author Report Share Posted November 9, 2009 Very helpful folks Thanks John Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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