[Titansfever83]

I have two identical 12" cubes(slightly over 7 gallons)

They have the same lava rocks, plants, and substrate.

The substrate is UP AQUA's Aqua Sand but in one of the tanks I used a very good amount of Saf-T-Zorb because I made a rather large(tall) "mountain" in my aquascape but I capped it with the Aqua Sand. While the other tank does not have any Saf-T-Zorb.

The tank with Aqua Sand only has a PH of 6.7-6.8 and has water parameters for Crystals. All other tests of the water are great.

The tank with Aqua Sand AND Saf-T-Zorb has a PH of 5.1-5.3 and I use the exact same water as the first tank. Again, all water parameters look good.



Is there something about Saf-T-Zorb that I may have been mislead about???

 

[Corrie]

Read me > http://www.aquaticplantcentral.com/...0166-safe-t-sorb-causing-drastic-acidity.html

 

[Titansfever83]

wow, thanks Corrie!!!

I guess I was misinformed!!! I was under the assumption that STS was inert.

Now what species can I keep in 7 gallons of water with such a low PH(5.2)???

I really don't want to rescape it since the Aqua Sand is nearly $40 a bag!!!

 

[Diana]

What is the GH of the water? STS does not seem to alter the GH. If it is naturally low, then look into the soft water fish.
If the GH is over about 5 degrees, then I would add carbonates and bring the pH closer to neutral.

Add some carbonates to the tank with Safe-T-Sorb.
The most common form is baking soda, but other sources work, too, such as potassium bicarbonate.
You could also add some coral sand to the filter (I use a nylon stocking to confine loose media).

Fish for very low GH, and pH include many of the South American Tetras, Dwarf Cichlids and cats. How about a pair of Apistos and an Oto?

 

[Titansfever83]

What is the GH of the water? STS does not seem to alter the GH. If it is naturally low, then look into the soft water fish.
If the GH is over about 5 degrees, then I would add carbonates and bring the pH closer to neutral.

Add some carbonates to the tank with Safe-T-Sorb.
The most common form is baking soda, but other sources work, too, such as potassium bicarbonate.
You could also add some coral sand to the filter (I use a nylon stocking to confine loose media).

Fish for very low GH, and pH include many of the South American Tetras, Dwarf Cichlids and cats. How about a pair of Apistos and an Oto?

Diana, I'm using RO water with SS GH+. I have the water set at typical CRS parameters. KH 0, GH 5, TDS 150-160

I'll look into some apistos but will a pair work in only 7 gallons?