How can I know for sure what is causing my ph problems?

[ChoclateBetta]

What kind of decorations are there?

[Leopardfire]

How bad is the fin rot? It should go away on it's own, really.

It's pretty bad, so I think I need meds to cure it. Here's a pic.

Knowing the water hardness will also help, you can find this from your local supply company on their website.
What exactly, brand substrate are you using?

My water is hard, about 180ppm. I think I should get a pillow to soften it. Here is the link to the exact sand that I got: http://www.petco.com/product/115883/...avelSubstrates

[ChoclateBetta]

Driftwood and IAL lower PH.

[aokashi]

That fin rot isn;t too bad. with hard water it is very difficult to say his tail will heal. but the finrot should go away with good care.

[ChoclateBetta]

Then the ph lowering stuff I suggested will help heal finrot plus double the water changes.

[Leopardfire]

with hard water it is very difficult to say his tail will heal. but the finrot should go away with good care.

Does hard water affect healing? I want his tail to recover fully, so do you think I should get a water softener? Once I fix whatever is causing the ph of 9, I will put some peat moss or driftwood in to lower my tap ph from 7.5 to help him heal. Just a quick side note in case it affects anything but my betta is not in the 20 gallon with the high ph, he's in a 10 gallon right now to heal from his fin rot.

[ChoclateBetta]

7.0 is really healthy.

[aokashi]

if the water is that hard...
it will be very hard to lower the hardness and ial and other organic acid benefits becomes less effective.

I really do suggest to just help him clear his rot first. I wouldnt reccommend a water softener either... just leave it as it. your fish may not return to his former glory, but in hard water he can be equally as healthy. whereas if you tamper with the ph and water hardness to much, it may be bad for him.

[Leopardfire]

Okay I guess I'll just leave the water as it is. I don't want to get involved in trying to keep the ph and hardness down which would just lead to fluctuations. Do you think the tears will heal but leave scars or do you think his tail might remain a little ragged?

[ChoclateBetta]

I read about a cichlid that lives in water with a PH of 10.