Want to dose CO2, but pH already low...

[Fresh04]

I want to do a DIY CO2, but my pH is already around 6.6-6.8. I know that adding CO2 will lower the pH, but I don't want it to drop much lower if I can possibly avoid it. I would also like to avoid buffers, etc., because I don't really want to babysit the pH via additives to the water.

Right now I'm dosing the Flourish and Excel, and it doesn't seem to get my kH readings up high enough. I can't remember my kH readings right now, as I am at work and don't have the numbers with me. They are not in the suggested range for planted tanks though!

Any ideas? The plants are growing, but I would rather run DIY CO2 then the excel.

[Tempest]

If your kH is too low, then you will have to buffer to keep your pH stable when you add CO2...

[TwoTankAmin]

A bag of crushed coral in your filter will bump up your kh and may also boost pH a tad.

[Fresh04]

TwoTankAdmin, it's as easy as that? I was looking to replace the Carbon in my mag 350 with something... perfect!!! Is there any life to it, as in will I have to eventually swap it out with a fresh supply?

[djlen]

What size is your tank? Also, if you could post your kH and gH it would help.
Crushed coral will work, but is slow acting so be patient.
It is also, long lasting.

Len

[Fresh04]

My KH is 30 mg/L
My GH is 60 degrees
My pH is around 6.6

I download Chucks Aquarium calculator and it says my CO2 is too high! Is it just due to the pH being so low? The crushed coral should help that, and raise the pH, correct?

[djlen]

The crushed coral will raise the kH and help buffer the tank.
If your test results were accurate you have a kH of less than 2.
I would not recommend any type of CO2 injection until you can raise it to 3(52ppm) or above. Anything less, IMO, is too unstable and dangerous for your fish.
Put a bag with 2 tbsp. of coral in it in your filter and wait a few days and test. As I said before, it is not the fastest acting way to raise kH, but will do the job for you, and hold it there.


Len

[Fresh04]

djlen, all I need is 2 tbsp? That doesn't sound like much. I have a 36 gal. tank. 2 tbsp should be enough despite that?

[djlen]

I try to stay on the cautious side, but the coral is very slow acting so you could go with double that amount. Keep an eye on your kH and adjust amount in your filter to obtain the desired number.
Be patient......it's slow to act.

Len

[Fresh04]

So a couple weeks at the earliest would be when it would reach a stable number?

[djlen]

I would not put a time table on it. I will be very interested in how your water reacts to it time wise. Keep an eye on it.
Please keep us posted.

Len