Tips to raise pH, and where'd my buffer go?

[Ger]

Rather than just throw pH UP in the tank, I'd rather identify its problems, and am hoping someone may help. The tank is a 30 gallon established aquarium (going on 5 years or so).

pH = about 6.0
dGH = 8 degrees
dKH = <1 degree

My Tap water has a pH of about 7.2 and dKH of about 3 degrees.

Why is there such a discrepancy with the alkalinity between the tank and the water that I put into it regularly? Could it be caused by some plants (hygro and java) breaking down the CaCO3 for their own nefarious purposes?

Since the buffering capacity is nil the water should be easily raised, but it wouldn't stay that way for very long, correct?

BTW, I used a Tetra test kit... not a fan.

Thanks for all your insight.

-- G.

[RTR]

Normal nitrification in our tanks uses up KH. The oxidation of ammonia to nitrite to nitrate is an acid-generating process. Increasing the size and or frequency of your water changes should restore the buffing with your tap water.

http://www.tomgriffin.com/aquasource/hardwater.shtml

HTH

[NJ Devils Fan]

What exactly is a buffer?

[Forum221]

A buffer is a solution that will control the PH level. Thanks to Enriched Biology.:D