High PH Levels

[KellyH]

Does anyone know approximately how much vinegar one should put into a 90 gallon tank to drop the PH? I obviously could just start by putting a small amount in at different intervals but then I would have to do so many tests till I got it right. I was just wondering if there was any sort of formula?

[Dr. Tom]

Hey Kelly,

I noticed this is in a freshwater tank. What are you keeping and what is your setup? I ask because it might make a difference whether you need to drop your pH via longer term methods (like wood, etc.)

[Chrismo]

Hey Kelly,

PH is supposed to be higher for women. :)

Keeping PH stable is more important then keeping a perfect PH, so if it's just a little bit high and stable, leave it alone (your test kit may be off a bit anyway - those ph ones are so hard to read I find)
But if you do need to lower your PH, keep in mind that there are buffers in your tank that stabilize you PH. When you add vinigar, the buffers will be used to keep the PH the same, and not untill the Buffer components of your water are gone, will you see any/much change in PH.

You measure the buffers as Alk, or Karbonate hardness (KH)

As you gradually add vinegar, you will see no change in PH, then when your alk is zero, the PH changes will become drastic. So be very carefull. There is a product out there called PH-down that does the same thing as vinegar I think. dunno if its better or worse.

But all in all chemically adjusting PH is something to be very carefull about, and if possible avoided.

Like Tom was saying, a more Natural way for (freshwater tanks,) is putting Peat in your filter to slowly bring PH down.I think Peat works a little faster then wood, so (if it's not an emergency) in the long run wood is better.