CO2 DIY and KH/PH -- confused!

[zanytomato]

Hi guys,

I've read through the sticky at the top, and all of the corresponding posts, but I'm still a bit confused as to what I should be doing. I want to get started with a DIY system for CO2 injection. I've got the ingredients to mix up in a 2L bottle, set up with silicon tubing, and a glass diffuser. The problem is, I've got incredibly soft water (still!) -- my Kh measures at 1 (basically I put the first drop in and it changes colour immediately), even with a bag of coral hanging in the filter. My pH seems steady at 7 (it dropped a bit with the addition of some driftwood, but has balanced out again), and has been there for quite some time. According to the chart in the sticky, though, I need a pH of 6 in order to get a good rate of CO2 dissolved in the tank.

So I'm thinking I need to raise the kH before this is going to work... should I just add more coral? Thoughts? Suggestions?

You can see my stocking at the bottom in my sig, and my levels are 0/0/<5.

I wasn't sure if I should tag this on the bottom of the sticky since it's old and very long, so I posted it here...

TIA!


-zt.

 

[Squawkbert]

Go ahead and add your CO2. KH & pH only matter to those who would use the charts & pH change to measure CO2 conc. This is not the best way to do it anyway, dropcheckers are better.

With a DIY CO2 system, there's very little chance of going beyond CO2 levels that are safe for your fauna.

If you want higher GH (and/or KH - which may be a good idea for non CO2 related reasons), get some Booster from www.RexGrigg.com.

 

[Mgamer20o0]

http://www.csd.net/~cgadd/aqua/art_plant_co2chart.htm

ph change from co2 doesnt effect the fish.

 

[zanytomato]

Thanks, guys, for the replies. As you suggested, Squawk, I'd like to get my buffering cap up regardless, but I'm going to go ahead and give the co2 a go... wish me luck!

 

[Hank]

CO2 will lower your pH. So start your CO2 (DIY)