Help controlling my PH!!!

Thanks for the newest replies. I just did another test on my tank and got the following results. Actually I have two tanks, one ten gallon and one 46 gallon. The diy co2 injection is in the 46g. Here are the results to both of them:

10g

PH 6.8 (like the tap water after it sat overnight)
Am - 0ppm
NI - 0ppm
NA - 75ppm (eek!!! don't worry, just did a water change)
GH - 3
KH - 2

46g

PH 6.4 (decrease from tapwater probably due to diy co2)
Am - 0ppm
NI - 0ppm (yes, it was at 0.25 but I knew it would come down today, tested it twice just to make sure!)
NA - 10ppm (even with all the plants...)
GH - 3
KH - 2

I added 1/4 and an 1/8 (what's that 1/6?) teaspoons of baking soda to my ten gallon tank first to experiment before I added to the 46g and it took the PH to 7 from 6.8 and the KH went to 3 from 2.

Then I added about 4/5 of a teaspoon of baking soda to my 46g and it took the KH to about 3.5 and the PH to 6.8. Wow...those are some quick results. I'm almost afraid of the sudden increase. I hope this doesn't harm my fish in any way. I was crossing my fingers the whole time I did it. But I trust you guys. I'm so glad I didn't put in two teaspoons for the 46g!!! I almost did.

So now I guess I want to know if I should go ahead and get aragonite or crushed coral for the filters or if I should just add a little baking soda after each water change. Which is more beneficial of the three? And if anyone minds explaining the reasons I would really really appreciate it! I like to know why stuff works and not just that it does. :)

Thank you all for bearing with me!
Fernando
 
I have no experience with argonite so I won't address that.
Baking soda is a quick fix for buffering up your water, but as you know must be supplemented to maintain effectiveness.
Crushed coral placed in a nylon filter bag and into a filter, will buffer up the water for a longer (months) period of time and breaks down so slowly that it's more of a 'permanent' solution for soft water issues.
I usually suggest that if you are injecting and have low kH, start with the Baking Soda and also add the coral. In about 3 weeks or so you should see your kH holding and not need further supplementation with the Baking Soda.
Crushed coral is usually available at any LFS that deals in salt water tanks. The trick is to get a small quantity which I found elusive in my area. You don't need a lot of the stuff. I noticed a bucket of used coral on the floor of the LFS and asked if I could buy a pound of it. They gave me a couple of pounds, which should last me several lifetimes:). Very slow acting but effective. Try a tbsp. in your filter and keep an eye on your kH. Adjust as necessary for 4°H or so.
If you can wangle some used coral bring it home, spread it on a cookie sheet and bake it at 350° for 15 mins. in the oven to kill off any varmints/bacteria and you're good to go.

Len
 
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