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pH stability in Betta aquariums
Posted: Fri Jun 13, 2025 12:04 pm
by briard
Been struggling to keep my pH stable in my 5 gallon tank. It swings from 6.5 to 7.2 every few days. Using tap water with Seachem Prime, sponge filter, and a heater set to 78F. Any tips to lock it in?
Re: pH stability in Betta aquariums
Posted: Fri Jun 13, 2025 1:52 pm
by lyrista
pH swings can stress them out big time. What's your water change routine? If you're doing large changes, try smaller, more frequent ones. Also, check if your tap pH varies. Mine's all over the place, so I buffer with crushed coral in the filter.
Re: pH stability in Betta aquariums
Posted: Fri Jun 13, 2025 2:05 pm
by florent
lyrista wrote: ↑Fri Jun 13, 2025 1:52 pm
pH swings can stress them out big time. What's your water change routine? If you're doing large changes, try smaller, more frequent ones. Also, check if your tap pH varies. Mine's all over the place, so I buffer with crushed coral in the filter.
Yep, crushed coral works wonders. I toss a handful in a media bag and let it sit in the filter. Keeps my tank at a steady 7.0. How often are you testing the water?
Re: pH stability in Betta aquariums
Posted: Fri Jun 13, 2025 2:25 pm
by Sakurao
I have a similar issue. My tap water is soft and acidic, so I add a bit of baking soda during water changes. It's not perfect, but it helps. Do you think adding driftwood could be messing with your pH?
Re: pH stability in Betta aquariums
Posted: Fri Jun 13, 2025 3:10 pm
by rayon
Driftwood's gonna drop your pH, no doubt. If you're using it, maybe cut it out for a bit and see. Also, what's your substrate? Some of that fancy aqua soil can mess with params too.
Re: pH stability in Betta aquariums
Posted: Fri Jun 13, 2025 4:11 pm
by Dmarie19
My tank's been chill since I switched to RO water and remineralized it. It's a bit extra work, but no more pH drama. You tried that?
Re: pH stability in Betta aquariums
Posted: Fri Jun 13, 2025 4:50 pm
by Razonix
Nah, RO's too much hassle for me. I just let my tank do its thing. Fish seem fine, even with the swings. Maybe they're just built different.
Re: pH stability in Betta aquariums
Posted: Fri Jun 13, 2025 5:07 pm
by briard
Thanks for the advice, everyone. Gonna try the crushed coral and smaller water changes first. Appreciate the help!
Re: pH stability in Betta aquariums
Posted: Fri Jun 13, 2025 6:27 pm
by lyrista
briard wrote: ↑Fri Jun 13, 2025 5:07 pm
Thanks for the advice, everyone. Gonna try the crushed coral and smaller water changes first. Appreciate the help!
Let us know how it goes. Stability's key, so give it a few weeks to settle. And test often!
Re: pH stability in Betta aquariums
Posted: Fri Jun 13, 2025 7:20 pm
by florent
Yeah, patience is huge. Took my tank a month to stabilize after I added the coral. Now it's rock solid. Good luck!