Ph problem due to driftwood

jpbotha

I have a130L tank with a parrot and tiger oscar. Parameters correct. Cannister filter and hang on mechanical filter. Never had any problems with the ph.
I have added a piece of driftwood and eversince are struggling to keep the Ph constant. No other changes in water parameters occured. Ph dropped from 7.4 to less than 6 within 2 days after adding the driftwood. Could this be the cause or should i look for some other causes? Is so what can I do to get the ph constant again? I do not want to constantly change the ph, must I take the wood out? Some advice please.

jpbotha

I have added some dead coral rock in the tank and it has stabilised the PH.

Kim

I have heard that baking soda will raise your natural buffer which I would suspect is low due to the very abrupt change in pH. The tannins in driftwood do lower pH, but not by that much unless your buffer is very low. What are your KH and GH?

Someone else will have to help you with the dosage however because I've never done this myself.

jpbotha

Dont know the KH and GH. The Ph has been stable for more than a week now. Seems like the tank is back is to normal again. The dead coral rocks definitely helped and it makes good decor as well. Thanks for your reply.