Should i use almond leaves or RO water for clown loach?

[Hainguyen]

Hello,

My tap water is 7.6 ph on test kit maybe higher. I put in almond leaves to lower ph but my ph wont budge..my water is red color…and it seem my clown loach is very happy in it and their skin color look very smooth and good looking. They are very active. I have 3 brute trash bucket 46 gallons for prepared water change every week. I put about 10-20 leaves to each bucket. If i continue to use almond leaves i probably spend about 120 dollars every 5-6 months or should i get Rodi unit to lower ph? Anybody have any advice?

[redshark1]

Naturally you would want to use your tap water and I don't think there is a compelling case for not doing so.

[Diana]

pH is not the most important value. Also, it is not a stand-alone value.

pH is controlled by the minerals and other things in the water. If the carbonates are high (KH test) then the pH is likely to be high and difficult to change. If the carbonates are low then the pH can be controlled by other things, including the organic acids from the leaves, driftwood, peat moss and other things.

Test the GH. You really want this value to be in the right range for the fish. The pH is secondary.

If the GH is too high you might want to blend some RO with your tap water until the GH is in the right range.
Then check the KH and pH. These will also come down when you add the RO. Might be in a reasonable range.
When you add organic matter to this softer water the pH might come down a bit more.

[Hainguyen]

I been keeping clown loach in tap water 7.6 ph or higher for about 6 monthes now. They look happy but not happy and active as i recently put in almond leaves and peat moss. Their skin color look different smooth and nice, Swimming around the tank constantly and aggresively going at food. I think almond leaves and peat moss lower my GH or KH, that's why they're so happy. I will continue to use almond leaves to make my clown loach happy. When they happy im happy . I think spending 120 dollars on almond leaves for 6 monthes it's lower cost than using RODI water. Using RODI water too much work for me. Almond leaves are easy just throw in my 3 water change container, the water will turn red/dark.

[Pangiophile]

The leaves also release tannins which might be the primary benefit rather than GH and KH. Have you thought about trying other kinds of (free) leaves? I've tried oak and poplar with good results. My use was more about providing hiding places though. Oak especially colors the water if that is the goal. Just make sure to use fall leaves that have fallen from the trees naturally. The Skeptical Aquarist site has a good writeup on leaf litter.

[Hainguyen]

I just found out clown loach need low ph and softwater. I researched and everybody say use peatmoss and almond leaves. I havent try other leaves yet but for right now my clown loach is happy with almond leaves so i will stick with it. They change their behavior completely after i prepare water change with almond leaves. Its exciting to watch them after i do water change. They look very happy.

[mariarivera]

It sounds like your clown loaches are thriving in the current setup! If the almond leaves are making them happy and you’re okay with the cost, it might be worth continuing with them. However, if you want a more sustainable long-term solution, investing in an RO unit could help you maintain consistent water quality and pH levels. Just make sure to monitor your fish closely during any changes!
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