Changing PH

[dlee9707]

as most of you know im sort of new to fishkeeping other than smaller stupid tanks, basicly i want to change my ph to keep african cichlids. currently my ph is neutral.

GH-60
KH-240
PH-7
Nitrite-0
Nitrate-0-20 range

what would be the most effective way to change the ph to around 8.5. I've read certain substrates can be used to do this, sand mostly. What kind of substrates (sand and gravel) can i use to up the ph. Would you recommend using a buffer product from a fish store? Are there any other things i could use that dont involve paying for more chemicals and what not?

I've tried to ask these questions on bigger forums but the people there dont take the time to talk to me, i really apreciate your guys's help.

[gm333]

I use dead base coral for part of my rocks to help bring the ph up, you can also put base coral rubble in the filter to help witht this as well. If my kh is low and ph as well after waterchange I add kent superbuffer to the tank, 1 teaspoon to 20 gal. This helps bring the levels back up after a water change.

[dlee9707]

base coral? just like regular crushed coral or something special.

i guess i'll put it in my filter considering the fact that i have 2 canisters of what i think is ceramic, but not sure >.<

[gm333]

Yes crushed coral will work just make sure to rise it good!