About to start pressurized CO2.

[aquanewb]

OK next question...

I have a Red Sea KH/GH test kit. In testing KH it says:

Get 6ml's of tank water in the test tube.
Add 1 drop of KH indicator and mix.
The Color should match the starting color of the card.
Keep adding 1 drop at a time and checking the color until it matchs the end color.

Now when I measure my water it never shows me the start color. Which is a blue color. It only looks like it is lightly tinted the end color which is somewhat orange. Now If I continue it looks like my KH is around 3 or 4 but I am thinking that if I cant achieve the start color then my reading must be off. Any ideas? I am now injecting co2 and am not in the mood to kill my fish.

 

[aquanewb]

As I perviously mentioned I am uploading a couple pictures I took on the day that I set up the co2. Hopefully I will post more in a week or so and we will see much better growth. Basically this is for other newbs that might be curious about what adding co2 will do for them.

 

[wesleydnunder]

That's a nice tank! It's gonna look really good when it grows out.

Mark

 

[carpguy]

Now when I measure my water it never shows me the start color… I am thinking that if I cant achieve the start color then my reading must be off. Any ideas? I am now injecting co2 and am not in the mood to kill my fish.

If you don't get the start color it means you have really really low KH.

And since you live nearby, I'll confirm… its true, NYC has unbelievably soft water. When I test my tap it goes yellow right away, never get the start color.

You'll want to go get some crushed coral and a filter bag. Coral goes in bag, bag goes in filter. I'd try maybe 12 tablespoons to start, adjust as needed. If you're using CO2 you should treat 3 dKH as your minimum safe level.

:dive2:

 

[aquanewb]

You'll want to go get some crushed coral and a filter bag. Coral goes in bag, bag goes in filter. I'd try maybe 12 tablespoons to start, adjust as needed. If you're using CO2 you should treat 3 dKH as your minimum safe level.

:dive2:

OK Thanks for the info I was wondering if my kit was bad or somthing. Now is dKH the same as KH?

Thanks for the encouregment Wesley!

 

[carpguy]

Now is dKH the same as KH?

dKH is an abbreviation for degrees of KH. Some folks measure in ppm (parts per million), others in degrees (17.8 ppm/degree). In general, 3 degrees or 50 ppm is a good minimum.

Where did you find your CO2?

:dive2:

 

[aquanewb]

Where did you find your CO2?

:dive2:

I got the tank at a place called Airweld in College Point, Queens.
The reg,the ph controller and other goodies are from aquatic supply on ebay.

Thanks for all the info I will pick up the coral tomorow..... yikes I mean later today.
:coffee2: