First post-cycle water change / pH probs

[MrKrispy]

Hiya,

 

Okay, my cycle is complete, the levels of naughty stuff are all at zero (nitrates about 10ppM). My pH is about 8.00 (went down to 7.9 during cycle) and alkalinity is still a little high (6-6.5 meq/L)and I need to do my first water change. Normally I would assume a 10% change, but I want to get my pH back up to 8.3 (which is what my new water is at and where I prefer to keep the tank). So what percent change would be best? 25%? 50%? I don't have anything but algae in my tank so I won't be disturbing too much!

 

Thanks

[fishbabies]

25% should be fine...not 50%, no need. the Ammonia is one reason the pH may have gone down....Ammonia is slightly acidic

 

proper gas exchange...like water turbulence on the water surface in your tank or the venturi on a powerhead is another natural, albeit very minimal way to maintain pH w/o using buffers or additives