Look online or visit a local pet store to find out the specific water-level pH needs of the breeds of fish you have. For example, if you’re keeping koi fish, they prefer basic water with a pH range between 7. 5 and 8. 2. [3] X Research source You can purchase clumps of peat at your local pet store. Put 1 clump of peat into a mesh bag, and place this inside of your fish tank’s water filter. The peat will lower the acid level over time. Rapid changes in pH can have a harmful effect on your fish. Remove the fish from your tank before adjusting the pH. Test the pH level in your fish tank both before and after making an adjustment. Also test pH before and after altering pH levels in pools or drinking water, as per the relevant section of this article.
If you’re unsure about the ideal pH level for the specific type of plant you’re watering, check online or at a local plant nursery. Some plants are very pH sensitive and need water at an exact pH level. For example, onions thrive when given more basic water at a pH of 6. 5-7. 0. [5] X Research source Consult your local plant nursery to determine the exact amount of pH-altering substances to add. You can also buy lime, wood, ash, and phosphoric acid or other pH-lowering substances at the nursery. If you repeatedly water plants with water outside of the 5. 5–6. 5 range, they will begin to wither and die.
For more detailed instructions on raising or lowering the pH level in your pool, consult the manufacturer’s recommendations for your specific model. You can purchase sodium bisulfate (also called “dry acid”) or muriatic acid at any pool supply store.
If you’d like the pH level to be permanently adjusted, you can have a permanent water filtration system installed. If your water is basic, install a neutralizing filter or a soda ash/sodium hydroxide injection system. [8] X Research source If your water is acidic, professionals from a local home-supply store can install an acid-injection system to your house’s water supply.
If you started with neutral water (pH 7), the water’s pH should have increased up to about 8.
Since lemon juice is acidic, with a pH value of 2, the pH level of a neutral glass of water should have lowered to a 6 or 5. [10] X Trustworthy Source Science Buddies Expert-sourced database of science projects, explanations, and educational material Go to source
Coke. Red wine. Milk. Liquid soap or shampoo.
You can also purchase pH strips at major online retailers, or at most pet-supply stores.
For example, draw a glass of water from your tap if you’re trying to ascertain the pH of the drinking water. Or, if you’re trying to adjust the pH level in a fish tank, dip a strip into the water at the top of the tank. Alternately, you can use a water dropper to place 1 or 2 drops of water directly onto the center of the litmus strip. [12] X Research source
If the color of the strip doesn’t change immediately, wait a few seconds.
In broad terms, a red litmus strip indicates highly acidic water, yellow indicates mildly acidic, green indicates mildly basic, and purple indicates highly basic.
pH meters are commonly used in science labs and can be purchased or rented through science-supply stores. The pH meter may need to be re-calibrated between each usage. Follow the printed directions included with the meter for best results.
