tiller25

I just set-up my 75g tank and I am having problems with my water parameters. The water at my house (city water) is over ph 7.6 closer to 8. I have tried using a neutral ph buffer but it is still too high. So i tried an acid buffer and it went below 6.0. How do i control this issue? I have a ro/di unit, but my understanding is that it strips the water of valuable elements for the plants. My goal for this tank is too keep swords, crypts., val., and some other general low maintenance stem plants. Fish will include assorted tetras, rainbow fish and eventually discus. thank you.

Muirner

First and foremost, take a deep breath and relax. It's going to be okay. You dont say where you live, but maybe your town is like the one i just moved to where as they state:
The thing is the water is very very soft (Low GH/KH) and thus after the water sits for a day or two it quickly drops in Ph. I added some to my new tank and it was 8.x and after 2 days its down to 7.x. So if you put some in a bucket with a power head and let it run prior to the water change you should be fine. (i'm not even sure the Power head is needed).

Your water changes on a 75g wont be huge and will allow the new water to not make the tank fluxuate so i wouldnt be very worried.

I've always avoided chemicals to bring the Ph levels into different ranges, i'm sure you will find this is the common recomendation. Also, plants and fish will do fine in mid 7 Ph water, i'm not too sure about discus, but others will chime in.

Have a great stay.

tiller25

thanks for the reply. I will try the "bucket test" and see how it goes. thanks again.