View Full Version : Kh too low?
The kh in my tank is at 30ppm, is that ok or should it be higher? Don't have any ph swings. So far I have a dempsey, heller's, and rainbow cichlids. Im picking up a blue dempsey from the lfs on thursday. Will the be alright with the kh? I figured if there needs to be any tweaking, it should be done before the dempsey goes into the tank
JSchmidt
02-20-2005, 9:07 PM
That is pretty low... you have very little buffering against any acids. I would consider adding a tablespoon of crushed coral to a filter bag or nylon stocking and dropping that inside your filter. It will slowly give off carbonates and bring KH up. pH will also rise a bit, but you should be able to get KH up to a safer range (e.g., 70-100 ppm) without affecting pH too much. Just test regularly, and if KH and pH rise too high, remove some of the coral. If you see enough increase, add a bit more coral.
It could take several weeks for this stabilize, so keep testing until you're sure everything has levelled off.
HTH,
Jim
ChileRelleno
02-21-2005, 1:42 AM
I agree with the CC added to your filtration, knowing what size your tank is will help with what amount to start with.
I keep about one (1) heaping tblspn in my 10gal's and aprox two (2) cups in my 75gal's filtration.
My tapwater test 7.PH, KH at 1.DKH/17.9ppm and GH is 3.DGH/53.7ppm.
I was experiencing severe drops in PH till I added CC.
Its rock steady now, with 7.PH, avg 5.DKH/89.5ppm and avg 6.DGH/107.4ppm.
KH and GH are measured in "Degrees" or DKH/DGH, a degree is equal to 17.9ppm, so your actual reading in ppm's (rounded off) is either 18.ppm or 36ppm.
Its an 80, I'll pick some up from the lfs today. 2 cups I guess
ChileRelleno
02-21-2005, 11:32 AM
Start with one (1) cup of CC bagged in your filter, give it one to two (1-2)weeks to see how it changes your water chemistry.
Then you can safely proceed form there.
I'd run PH, KH and GH test every second or third (2nd-3rd) day.
Goodluck and happy fishkeeping!
JSchmidt
02-21-2005, 12:11 PM
I'm probably over-cautious, but I'd add less than a cup or two for starters. If your pH jumps from boosting KH too much, it will be hard on your fish. If you start with 2-3 tablespoons, you'll know within several days if KH and pH are on the rise. If you're not where you want to be after a week, add 2-3 more tablespoons. If the crushed coral is in a high-flow area (like in a filter) a little will go along way.
Jim
ChileRelleno
02-21-2005, 1:03 PM
Inconceivable! Watch out for the Shrieking Eels! :eek:
Yes, starting out with less would be good, just going from my practical experience with very similar water chemistry to his. By testing every few days he can notice any lack of effect or spikes and take appropriate action, adding or removing CC.
But I conceed that your way is the safest more cautious way.