SMS-Length of Time it Will Keep PH/KH Low?

[Fordtrannyman]

Can anyone tell me how long SMS Lasts?
I don't think buffer is the right term because it lowers ph/kh.
My source water is very hard and using SMS has become a blessing for keeping Apistos. So much that I'm gonna try CRS.
The ph swings during pwc is not that great right now (1 point noticeable swing using API kit) returns to pre-pwc range in 24hours. I kind of need an idea of how long I can expect before the clay/nutrients run out.

 

[Bk718]

I have sms but never noticed any ph/kh change, nyc water is already very soft and ph close to 7.

Should hit up Que for this, he probably has most experience with sms. Though there arent any nutrients in the sms.

 

[JAY973]

I too use SMS and notice my KH was getting sucked up causing my PH to drop. I found a lot of scientific articles on Cation Exchange Capacity which seems to be the cause when using SMS. I gave up trying to understand it.

I'll save you some trouble here's is an easy read.
http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=149216

If you need to be put to sleep do a google on Cation Exchange Capacity:werd:

 

[Fordtrannyman]

I have sms but never noticed any ph/kh change, nyc water is already very soft and ph close to 7.

Should hit up Que for this, he probably has most experience with sms. Though there arent any nutrients in the sms.

If it's sucking Ions from the water column, it has nutrients.
I'm interested mostly in a documented or best experienced guesstimated time frame.
This tank has been running SMS since Oct. (about four months) Params were <1dkh and 6.8ph, now they are ranging 3dkh and 7.6ph. My source water is 10-11dkh and 8.4ph. At this rate I can only guesstimate it will return to 9-10dkh by the end of the year. With this thought process, I will need to start adding Peat Moss in the fall to maintain a more acidic environment for CRS.
But, I really don't know.


Other Thoughts?

 

[shawnhu]

Don't know what SMS is, but if it's trying to lower kH, then it's a buffer. You can have acidic buffers too. With water that hard, I would probably go with distilled water or RO for the CRS. If you have them in a small tank, it won't be costly going that route. I beleive that in a well planted CRS tank, one could probably get away with bi-weekly water changes, if not more.

You need me to ship you some NYC water? :evil_lol:

 

[Fordtrannyman]

Don't know what SMS is, but if it's trying to lower kH, then it's a buffer. You can have acidic buffers too. With water that hard, I would probably go with distilled water or RO for the CRS. If you have them in a small tank, it won't be costly going that route. I beleive that in a well planted CRS tank, one could probably get away with bi-weekly water changes, if not more.

You need me to ship you some NYC water? :evil_lol:

I wish I could be lucky enough to have soft water.

I guess this thread is really about CRS husbandry. The answers are use RO water or add peat Moss to maintain proper water parameters.

I would still like to know if anyone can give me an approximate time line for SMS to stop pulling Ions from the water.
Thanks!