Raising ph

[Brian Hillestad]

I am looking to raise ph in a 600 gallon tilapia tank.  I grom mostly lettuces in a raft bed.  The current ph is around 6.  I see people use calcium carbonate and potassium carbonate to raise the ph.  Any other suggestions?

[Harold Sukhbir]

Hi Brian,

Suggested is a mixture of 50 percent calcium carbonate and 50 percent of potassium carbonate as a single dose. It helps to work out a smaller dose amount(daily is better) as opposed to a weekly dose because drastic swings in PH have an effect on the longevity of the fish. This type of dosing(50/50) to raise PH is important since it ensures a balance of the minerals in the AP and provides one of the nutrients(potassium) which is always somewhat deficient in the AP due to plant uptake. Please bear in mind that the nitrifying bacteria are greatly affected by PH below 6.