What’s the perfect PH range for aros?

[fishguy1978]

I have an empty 125g aquarium sitting on my back patio and have used it to collect rainwater. Rain here is 6.0ph. I only use the rainwater for inducing spawns with my corydoras though.

 

[AlbinoSilvers]

There are 3 main "safe" and effective methods that can reduce the pH in an aquarium the real question is do you really want to spend money to fill that bottomless pit?

1) As P phreeflow stated you can use RO water mixed with your tap water to reduce the overall pH. The issue here is that your tap water comes out a bit hard which will hasten the degradation of the your RO unit's filter = more new filters = more $ spent. Also RO/DI units should not be used ideally.

2) A cheaper, although questionable alternative depending on where you're at, is storing rain water and using or mixing that with your tap water. Remember to strain your rainwater for any inscet larva or other large solids.

3) Finally you can use many acidic products ranging from, but not limited to, vitamin C to hydrocloric acid in a separate tank and mix that with you tap water to reach your ideal pH level before doing water changes. Always add the acid to the water not water to acid.

All 3 options must be performed every waterchange but 1 & 3 will cost a hefty sum of money overall while option 2 is a dice roll. However, all 3 options will require additional labor and effort on your part. If you're still willing to go through with all of this effort to chase pH then option 1 is the easiest, on demand option. Option 3 may be the cheapest option depending on how large your tank is and what acid you use. Option 2 is the cheapest option and potentially the best depending on your locality but you will also probably have a lot more mosquitoes around...

Finally, I would again suggest not chasing around your pH and just keep using your tap water. The only time I suggest increasing/decreasing pH is when values are above/below 6/8.5 respectively. This is because nitrate/ammonia respectively start becoming toxic at those levels.

Thank you for taking the time to explain the options in detail. Verses battling ups and downs and putting the fish through the stress of swings. I’m going to hope he adapts to my PH. I ordered a more accurate digital PH test for better results. So I know what I’m dealing with. Do you agree with other people who say captive bred Arowana can adapt to higher PH ranges?

 

[thiswasgone]

Thank you for taking the time to explain the options in detail. Verses battling ups and downs and putting the fish through the stress of swings. I’m going to hope he adapts to my PH. I ordered a more accurate digital PH test for better results. So I know what I’m dealing with. Do you agree with other people who say captive bred Arowana can adapt to higher PH ranges?

Yes, as mentioned in my first post most fish species will be fine in any typical home aquarium pH range (~ 6-8.5) with the only exception being very, very sensitive wild-caught fish species or individuals. All arowanas species are extremely hardy, as are most ancient armored fish, and will tolerate much worse conditions compared to other freshwater species.

 

[AlbinoSilvers]

Yes, as mentioned in my first post most fish species will be fine in any typical home aquarium pH range (~ 6-8.5) with the only exception being very, very sensitive wild-caught fish species or individuals. All arowanas species are extremely hardy, as are most ancient armored fish, and will tolerate much worse conditions compared to other freshwater species.

Sorry I got the comments confused with who said what. But thank you for calming my anxiety and pointing me in the right direction.