Water chemistry/ high tech planted tank

First point:

I'm guessing the left side of the chart is really in dKH, not ppm KH, because the numbers are fairly low. I'm not sure though, since the label on that column just says KH.
If you need to convert to dKH, you can use this calculator to convert:
[URL]http://saltyzoo.com/SaltyCalcs/AlkConv.php[/url]

Enter your number of ppm kh into the "ppm" field, select the ppm radio button, and convert. (You'll get 10.64 dKH for 240 ppm KH.)

Second point:

The test strips are good for getting a rough idea of what's going on (e.g. your ppm KH is pretty high vs. pretty low - they're reasonably accurate but not at all precise). For dosing calculations you'll need a MUCH more precise test kit. I've always had good luck with the Salifert test kits: [URL]http://www.marinedepot.com/Salifert_KH_Alkalinity_Test_Kit_Alkalinity_(KH)_Test_Kits_for_Saltwater_Aquariums-Salifert-SF1123-FITKAL-vi.html[/url]

(Nice thing here - it'll give you the result in dKH directly. )

Third point:

You also need your pH (precise!): [URL]http://www.marinedepot.com/Salifert_pH_Test_Kit_pH_Test_Kits_for_Saltwater_Aquariums-Salifert-SF1135-FITKPH-vi.html[/url]

Then you use the chart by going to the row with your (dKH?) and the column with your pH, and the square where they intersect contains the CO2 dosage recommended.

You could also look into purchasing a drop checker... That will help give you a constant reading allowing you to know if you have too much or too little Co2 being pumped in...


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In order for the drop checker to be accurate, i think i remember reading you should actually mix the solution they give you with a 4KH distilled water...


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The solution they give you works, (i've tried two brands) but the one thing they forget to mention is to mix their solution with a mix of distilled water that has a KH of 4...

I think you have to mix bicarbonate soda with the distilled water to get the 4KH mix... But instructions are online if you look around for the measurements


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