How do i tell when to use the API pH up and pH down?

Question

I have the API pH up and pH down, if i want to bring it from a pH level of 6.4 to a 7.0, do i use pH up or pH down?

Answer 1

neither... these chemicals usually don't work well, and when they do they'll cause a swing in pH when you do a water change.



most fish aren't picky about pH, what fish are you planning on keeping that you want 7.0?



if you really want to change it, put some crushed coral or seashell in your tank.

Answer 2

Don't use a PH buffer. Your fish are much better off with a constant PH than with a PH in a certain direction.



If you do need to change PH, use limestone for up, and CO2 for down. Buffers almost always cause a PH bounce which will kill fish very quickly.

Answer 3

You would use PH up, but stick to directions.



As the other answerer said, these chemicals are not the best solutions.



Long term solutions are always better. When I want to raise my PH, I use shell grit, which dissolves over the course of months and raises ph.