Rufus is one of my 3 cats, but I'm obviously here for my aquariums. I've learned a lot and hope to learn more. I have a 46 gal bow front Mbuna tank, and recently started a 29 gal tank with German Rams -2 electric blues, 3 blues, and 3 golds. I'm currently struggling to achieve and maintain a lower Ph in the range of about 6.8 for my Rams from the natural South Texas Ph range of about 8.4. The water is softened (salt softner), but the Ph remains high. I'm curious about using peat moss or other natural methods rather than deal with consant fluctuations with chemicals, especially when you factor in weekly 20% water changes. Any suggestions?

I cannot advise how to succeed at a stable pH 6.8 water from a 8.4 source. However, I can attest that one should not use water processed through a home water softener, other than reverse osmosis. Water for the aquarium must be obtained from the water supply before the home water softener.

I was not aware. I've been doing it for years, but I'm always ready to try something different.

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Welcome to the foum!

The ony safe way is to get a RODI system and use that water with your water changes. You should have no problem getting it to 7.0 anyway. Is the tank planted? Using CO2?

welcome!!

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The tank is currently lightly planted, but no CO2. I just added LED lighting to supplement 20 Watt CF.

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