Best way to raise ph?

[Tim]

currently at 6.4 but would like it to be 7.
Only have one real plant now but will be adding more.
Whats the best thing to raise the ph?

Thanks,
Tim

[BigDaddy]

First question... why do you want to raise your pH.

Secondly, which is more important to you... a higher gH or a higher kH.  Simply because you can't raise the pH without raising one of those two as well.

[Tim]

a higher gH or a higher kH?
Not sure what you mean by that.

Well if it is not nessecary to raise it I won't.
I was trold to keep a community tank at 7.0.
Here is the fish I have.
2 marble angels
2 gold gouramis
2 blue gouramis
6 neon tetras
3 candy tetras
1 pleco
1 hong kong butterfly pleco
1 cory cat

Tim

[luvfishies]

There is absolutely no need to strive for that "perfect" pH of 7.0. As long as the pH remains stable, the vast majority of fish will thrive. There *are* exceptions, of course, but your pH is perfectly fine for the fish you have.

I would add at least another couple of cory cats though, as they like to be in groups.


Oh, and pH and KH are intertwined. You can't change one PERMANENTLY without changing the other.

[BigDaddy]

We are naturally blessed with soft acidic water here in the Ottawa area (at least, those of us not on well water).

Most people would KILL to have a pH below 7 and low TDS counts (mine is 1 gH and 2 kH out of the tap).

A pH of 7 is just a "safe" number for people who don't understand or take the time to find out what water parameters their livestock prefer.  A fish that prefers slightly acidic water will acclimate itself to a neutral pH without too much trouble.  As well, a fish that prefers harder, alkaline water can cope with a more neutral pH.  Of course that's a very vague statement, but it covers the concepts...

As luvs said, your fish will be more than happy with that pH value.  Don't waste time or money trying to fight against the kind of water you have.