Page 1 of 1
How to maintain pH for Bettas
Posted: Wed May 28, 2025 7:53 pm
by _crafty
My betta tank's pH keeps swinging from 6.5 to 7.5. I'm using tap water with Seachem Prime, but it's not stabilizing. What's the best way to keep it steady without messing with the fish too much?
Re: How to maintain pH for Bettas
Posted: Wed May 28, 2025 9:30 pm
by Golding
First, check if your tap water's pH is consistent. Sometimes it fluctuates before you even add it to the tank. If it's stable, try adding crushed coral or aragonite to the filter. It'll slowly release minerals to buffer the pH.
Re: How to maintain pH for Bettas
Posted: Wed May 28, 2025 11:15 pm
by duskflora
Yep, crushed coral works wonders. I've got a handful in my 10-gallon, and my pH stays at 7.0 like clockwork. Just don't go overboard, or you'll spike it too high.
Re: How to maintain pH for Bettas
Posted: Wed May 28, 2025 11:48 pm
by peachy
Golding wrote: ↑Wed May 28, 2025 9:30 pm
First, check if your tap water's pH is consistent. Sometimes it fluctuates before you even add it to the tank. If it's stable, try adding crushed coral or aragonite to the filter. It'll slowly release minerals to buffer the pH.
That's solid advice. I'd also test your KH levels. Low KH can cause pH swings, so if it's below 3 dKH, the coral will help buffer it.
Re: How to maintain pH for Bettas
Posted: Thu May 29, 2025 12:08 am
by aerialist
My tap water's all over the place, so I switched to RO water and remineralize it. It's a bit extra, but my fish seem way happier. Maybe cut your tap with RO if the swings are bad?
Re: How to maintain pH for Bettas
Posted: Thu May 29, 2025 1:41 am
by _crafty
Thanks for the tips, everyone. Gonna grab some crushed coral and test my KH tomorrow. Appreciate the help!
Re: How to maintain pH for Bettas
Posted: Thu May 29, 2025 2:59 am
by Golding
Let us know how it goes. If the coral doesn't cut it, you might need to look into a dedicated buffer like Seachem Alkaline or Acid Buffer, depending on which way you need to go.
Re: How to maintain pH for Bettas
Posted: Thu May 29, 2025 4:27 am
by duskflora
And don't chase perfection. Bettas can adapt to a range as long as it's stable. My guy's been chilling at 7.2 for months with no issues.
Re: How to maintain pH for Bettas
Posted: Thu May 29, 2025 5:30 am
by peachy
duskflora wrote: ↑Thu May 29, 2025 4:27 am
And don't chase perfection. Bettas can adapt to a range as long as it's stable. My guy's been chilling at 7.2 for months with no issues.
Exactly. Stability's way more important than hitting some arbitrary number. Just avoid sudden changes.
Re: How to maintain pH for Bettas
Posted: Thu May 29, 2025 5:49 am
by aerialist
Yeah, my last betta freaked out when I tried to adjust the pH too fast. Learned that lesson the hard way. Slow and steady wins the race.