kH / gH not getting hard enough?

[nickmcmechan]

OK, heres the quick story

Super cycled the tank for 6 weeks, was cycled after 2/3 but kept it going wth ammonia to establish a solid bacteria colony

Current readings are

Ammonia - 0ppm
Nitrites - 0ppm
Nitrates - 5ppm
pH - 8.0
gH - 80ppm (described as 'moderately hard' by test kit)
kH - 40ppm (desscribed as 'normally associated with a low pH')

Setup is a Mbuna, crushed coral substrate, oceanic (limestone) rock, juwel internal filter with nitrate removal sponge, eheim 2217 externam cannister, fluval 304 cannister, 75g tank with too many fish which were added on Thursday...

I've added Cichlid Mineral salt solution to raise hardness, but even that along with the crushed coral and rocks doesn't seem to have raised the hardness to desired levels....

Why?

:werd:

[nickmcmechan]

bump

[nickmcmechan]

:turtle:

[Star_Rider]

it takes a bit of time for the minerals to leach out of the substrate/rocks.

normally acidic water would release the minerals a bit quicker as they dissolve the substrate the mineral will counter act the acid making the water more base.

in your case the water is pretty stable with moderate kh and moderate gh levels the water is probably pretty stable holding the pH..in time more minerals will leach out but you will counter act that at water change time.

I would say not to worry too much as the pH is already at 8 and stable?

[nickmcmechan]

cool thanks....i'm intent on getting this right...i have a massive focus on controlling all my water conditions in my 55g and 75 to create ideal conditions...

[cav]

add a teaspoon of bi carb soda per 50 litres this will bring your kh up by about .4 mg per gallon, this works for me

[kay-bee]

Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) will raise carbonate hardness (KH). Plain epsom salt (magnesium sulfate) will increase general hardness (GH).

Add 1 tablespoon of epsom salt and 1 teaspoon of baking soda per 5gal of water volume. Test GH and KH 24hrs later. Repeat the process daily until target levels are achieved.

There are also commercial products which will do the same.

[cav]

Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) will raise carbonate hardness (KH). Plain epsom salt (magnesium sulfate) will increase general hardness (GH).

Add 1 tablespoon of epsom salt and 1 teaspoon of baking soda per 5gal of water volume. Test GH and KH 24hrs later. Repeat the process daily until target levels are achieved.

There are also commercial products which will do the same.

I knew there was one for GH but couldn't quite put my finger on what it was:duh:

[Coler]

I wouldn't stress too much about KH/GH Nick. They are tough adaptable little fish (although intolerant of nitrogen cycle/filtration issues) and will do well in a stable Ph coming close to 8 or over.

Seeing as how you are trying to get it perfect though maybe check what parameters your supplier is keeping the fish in.