Proper pH? Salts?

[Quig]

Well, I need to raise the pH in my tank. So I went down to Petco looking for Malawi Buffer. They didn't have it. I bought some stuff called "Proper PH 8.2". In the instructions(which were in the bottle so I could not read them till I got home) it has a part that says"

African Cichlid Hobbyis: Proper PH 8.2 should NEVER be used without first adding an African Cichlid salt mix to the aquarium to ensure the correct pH. Proper pH 8.2 was designed for use in hard water containing many salts and minerals, such as the water in the lakes where African cichlids originate. If it is used in water containing few salts and minerals an unnaturally high pH can result.

I planned on adding it a little at a time to prevent the pH from going to high... what do you guys recommend? Should I take this stuff back and find some "Malawi Buffer"? I don't want to mess anything up.

Thanks.

[SGypsyMermaid]

yes--take it back. look for names such as 'cichlid salts' and 'rift lake salts', in addition to looking for 'malawi buffer'.

[Quig]

D'oh! Alright. I'll listen to the experts... I guess I'll have to try another store. Petco just isn't getting it done on this one. There is a new aquarium store in town that seems to be a lot more interested in African Cichlids I'll give him a try.

Thanks.

[Cichlid Jeans]

:?: My $0.02 (but I'm no expert).

Malawi buffer is supposed to prevent high pH systems from spiking when other elements of the water chemistry peak. (All Malawis pee right after the lights go on, I'm told). It shouldn't raise your pH, and if it does, I think you've got a different chemistry issue.

If you want to raise pH, you've got the right product in hand. Or if you like Kent stuff, get pH•CONTROL PLUS. All of these products require that the system have high buffering capacity.