Raising pH

[Ringo]

Hi, whats the best way to raise the pH in a planted aquarium? I have had bad experiences with some buffers (phosphate trouble).

Thanks for any help

[goldenpigeon]

there are a few ways to raise ph.

the most common wayt to raise your ph is to use a buffer or ph up. check on the bottle to see if it contains phosphates.

another good and very effectibe way to raise the ph is to use shell grit. this stuff can be purchased from a pet store and is in the bird section. the way to use shell grit is get an old stocking and put about a table spoon of grit in the stocking. put the stocking on the floor or hang it up somewhere. if you have a cvanister filter put it in one of you media baskets. or you can make the water change water more alkline by putting the stocking in the water change drum. basically just put it somewhere where water will run over it continuously. after about a week if the ph isnt high enough just put another table spoon full in. not a heaped amount thoagh. dont try to change the water too quickly. shell grit also raises the calsium hardness so be careful and get the water tested frequently.

cheers