Re: Suggestions for making water more acidic?

[IDMiamiBob@aol.com]

Sandy writes:

> Hi all.  I've got a pair of p. pulcher in a tank iwth pH of 7.4 and GH 5 dH.
>  I have read that I might increase likelihood of breeding by making the tank
>  slightly more acidic.  Am wondering if there are any safe ways to do this
>  other than CO2 injection?
>  
>  Any other suggestions on how to safely lower the pH?
>  
Try one of the following-
1)  Sphagnum peat moss or Fluval peat pellets; I put it in a box filter and 
let it bubble.  Some folks just stick it in the toe of an old nylon and let 
it "steep" like tea, only it takes a lot longer(days).
2)  Oak or beech leaves.  Dry brown ones off the ground.  just layer the 
bottom of the tank.
    Either of the above methods will also soften the water.  Hardness is also 
a factor here.
3)  Muriatic acid from a hardware store.  This is 31% hydrochloric.  It 
stinks something awful and is too strong to use straight.  Mix one quart of 
muriatic with 3 gallons of water.  Then use it sparingly.  Start at 2 drops 
per gallon, measure the pH, and don't be surprized if the next day the pH is 
back up.  This is alkalinity, and must be overcome to make a permanent change 
in pH effective.  Eventually, it will stay down.

Bob Dixon


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