low alkalinity levels

[iamchris]

I just recently cleaned out my 5g completely and I've been noticing low alkalinity levels on my test strips. I think it was around 40ppm. What does this mean, and how can I keep a higher alkalinity? (My test strips tell me around 200ppm is ideal) The only fish in the tank is a Betta.

*edit* whoops I lied, the strips say between 120 and 180 is ideal

 

[iamchris]

*bump* :-(

 

[daveedka]

search KH threads, alkalinity and KH are one in the same for hobby purposes, you can raise Kh with crushed coral in the filter, which is slow and steady, or by adding baking soda to your change water. equally steady, but very fast, and not reccomended to put it directly into the tank.
Dave

 

[funatnight]

For a tank that is that small, I would not use the baking soda method unless you really did the math. A little baking soda made a big cahnge in my tank which is 75g. I now just use crushed coral. You may be able to get a little bit from the LFS if you are really nice. You only need a very small amount- 1-2 tablespoons should be more than enough to slowly raise the Kh.

 

[iamchris]

Thank you very much! I also noticed in another thread that someone was using distilled water and that was what kept it so low. Unfortunately, I had been doing the same thing, so now I know not to do that too.

 

[daveedka]

For a tank that is that small, I would not use the baking soda method unless you really did the math

Obviously the math would need to be done. Foor me 1 tsp baking soda raised KH 1 DKH in 30 gallons of water. So once you get your KH to a desired level if you add baking soda to your change waterIt should be fairly controllable even if you are dealing with small quantities. You will want to make the changes very slowly to prevent shock to your fish, The other thread you mentioned has some good advice on water changes. I personally would do a 10% each morning and evening until my tank spec matched my change water specs. Multiple 10% changes will allow ou to adjust at a rate that your fish can handle. and once you get it there, larger volumes weekly or bi-weekly should easily maintain it.
Dave