Raises pH and makes aquariums more alkaline. Fast-acting, colorless and easy-to-use.

Purpose and Benefits:

pH Up is a liquid pH raising product for freshwater aquariums. By neutralizing acidic substances in the aquarium, pH Up effectively makes the water more alkaline. The pH may rebound down to the original pH depending on the level acid in the aquarium. Several consecutive treatments with pH Up may be necessary to adjust pH to the desired level, but if there are fish present in the aquarium, the pH should not be changed more than .2 in a 24 hour period.

While many common aquarium fish will live in water with a pH of 6.8 to 7.5, a pH of 7.0 is ideal for a community aquarium containing a variety of freshwater fish. Live bearers like mollies and swordtails prefer a higher pH of 7.2-7.6. Acid-loving fish such as angelfish and neon tetras prefer a lower pH of 6.5-6.8. Making a partial water change (10-15%) will also remove some of the acids and help stabilize the pH. Adjusting the pH to the proper level will improve fish health, disease resistance, coloration and breeding.

Directions for Use:

• Use Aquarium Pharmaceuticals Freshwater pH Test Kit to determine the pH of the aquarium.
• To raise pH, add four drops of pH Up for every U.S. gallon (3.78 L) of aquarium water.
• Take another pH reading before making the next addition of pH Up.
• If fish are present in the aquarium, do not change the pH more than 0.2 in a 24 hour period (for example, from 7.0 to 7.2).

Compatibility: pH Up contains no phosphates and may be used with live plants.

How much pH Up will it take to raise my pH?
The amount of pH Up required to raise the pH of aquarium water depends on several factors. The primary cause of low pH is a low carbonate hardness (KH) level. Carbonate hardness, also known as alkalinity, is found in tap water and may also leach from aquarium gravel, ornamental shells, and coral. If the carbonate hardness level is low, pH will tend to drop over time or fluctuate up and down. Natural acids also lower the pH. Each dose of pH Up neutralizes some of the acid and raise pH. It may take several doses of pH Up to adjust the pH.

Why does my pH level increase after adding pH Up then drop again after a few days?
Natural acids will neutralize pH Up and keep the pH low. Make a partial water change (10-15%) every three or four weeks and use activated carbon in the aquarium filter. This will improve water quality and help stabilize the pH.

Does pH Up contain phosphates?
No. pH Up contains no phosphates.

Can I add more than the recommended dose of pH Up?
Always follow the directions when using pH Up in the aquarium. Many aquarists treat a separate bucket of water with pH Up to adjust the pH before adding the water to the aquarium. Add as much pH Up to the bucket as necessary to raise the pH to the desired level. Once the pH has stabilized (12-24 hours), add the water to the aquarium.

Can I use pH Up in a saltwater aquarium?
No. pH Up will precipitate calcium and magnesium, resulting in a white haze in the aquarium. Marine salts are formulated with a large amount of carbonate buffer to stabilize the pH. Each brand has its own unique formula and pH range. Use Proper pH 8.2 to adjust a stabilize pH in saltwater aquariums.