New goldfish hobbyist need help.

Hi.
Just started keeping black moor goldfish for leisure. Need some help on ph value for goldfish.

I found some info on web that the ph value of goldfish should be kept at 6 to 7.5 but my tank ph is at 5. So I decided to do a 20% change of water to see if the ph increases to the ideal range. (I did "age" the water 48 hours and add anti-chlorine before I change.) But to my surprise the ph still stays at 5.

Is it safe for the goldfish? Does it really need to be at the ideal ph range?

My tank is 2 feet with an external canister filter, 2 small plant on driftwood and an air pump. 4 Black moor.

Thanks in advance.

[FD3S]

Hi!

First and foremost, I like your moniker.

Do you have any form of pH buffer in the system, like coral chips or oyster shells?

Our tapwater is quite "soft", the buffer is gone in no time.

pH buffer? Sorry I don't quite understand.
My filter canister is a 2 layer type. I place some bio-ring on the lower layer and normal filter wool/foam on the top.

[FD3S]

Originally Posted by icecoolbeer

pH buffer? Sorry I don't quite understand.
My filter canister is a 2 layer type. I place some bio-ring on the lower layer and normal filter wool/foam on the top.

Stuff like oyster shells and coral chips, available at most LFSs, help to maintain the pH.

Is there anyway to place a bag of these in your system, whether in the tank or in the cannister?

The buffering process takes time, but it's fine, it could take up to a week to get it up to a more moderate range. Take care to avoid drastic water change now, pH shock can be damaging, it's an exponential value.

Small daily WC are fine though and could help.

By the way, what to look for when getting Black Moor Goldfish.
Is it the shape and size of fins?

Just went down to clementi and bought the coral chips, but end up buy more things. Will check ph later of the day. Thanks FD3C for the tips.