Hinky pH

If your KH is dropping due to plant uptake of bicarbonate, then it may help by providing an alternate carbon source. But given that java moss isn't a very fast gorwer, at least, not in my experience, I doubt that it's sucking up all that much carbon.
 
Yeah, that's what I was thinking. I suppose I'll check on the KH again this Sunday, and see if it's helped at all, though. Just to humour myself.

Would adding shells help with the KH, or am I confusing that with something else?
 
Sorry for some of the repetitive questions, I just reread your initial post (it's been a while since the initial posting).

I think that before you embark on ways to increase your KH above that of your tap, we should first address the issue of it being lower.

Try increasing your water changes to 30% twice weekly, so Wed. and Sun., or whatever schedule is best for you. You've got 2 small tanks, so it should be easy.

Check your KH before and after each change. If your KH isn't constant the same before the second water change as it was after the first, then it may be necessary to increase to 50% changes twice weekly. Again, given the size of your tanks, not a problem. But I really think that if you move to 30% twice weekly, you should notice a marked improvement in the stability of your tank parameters.
 
No problem.

I'll try increasing the water changes to 30% twice a week. Wednesday and Sunday are just fine. Since yesterday was Wednesday, I'll just go ahead and do a quick water change today. Seeing as how I do have small tanks, it should be a breeze.

So if the KH isn't the same after the first change, as it is after the second, I should up the water percent to 50% twice weekly?
 
Okay, here are my results after the first water change.

Five Gallon Tank --

Before 1st 30% WC
pH: 6.8
KH: 2 dKH (35.8ppm)

After 1st 30% WC
pH: 6.8
KH: 3 dKH (53.7ppm)

Three Gallon Tank --

Before 1st 30% WC
pH: 7.0
KH: 2 dKH (35.8ppm)

After 1st 30% WC
pH: 7.0
KH: 3 dKH (53.7ppm)
 
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