New CO2 setup

[Habaceeba]

I just set up my 100g tank with CO2 injection. I haven't introduced plants yet other than the two that sprouted from the flourite.

Since I am new to CO2, I would like to experiment with my water chemistry before I add plants and fish. Since the introduction of CO2, my pH has dropped from 7.4 to 6.6 and my kH dropped from around 4 degrees to <1 degree.

This tells me that my CO2 concentration is still very low with a more acidic pH. What is more important in this situation: adding kH buffers or increasing CO2 input? What are some recommended options for raising my kH (if necessary)?

 

[WeeNe858]

leave it as is.. its pretty much where it has to be.. messing aroudn with it might cause a catahtrophee >.<

and plants sprout out of florite?!!?!?!?!?!?

 

[Mgamer20o0]

i would leave it where it is. looks like 18ppm.

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

keep checking make sure it stays stable. if it does dont mess with any kh buffers. if you are going to add something go with crushed coral or baking soda.

 

[Rex Grigg]

If you want to raise the kH use baking soda.

Crushed coral will also raise the gH and it's hard to control the effect on the water chemistry.

I have very soft water from the tap. Under 1° of gH and kH. When I set up my 55 gallon tank long ago I added crushed coral to the filter. In one week I had kH and gH levels around 12-13°. A bit higher than I wanted.

 

[fresh_newby]

I run a KH of zero and GH of 2 pH of 5.7 and my plants love it. I have been running this setup for over 2 years and I couldn't be happier, so think before adding stuff to your column. No need to play chemist when you don't have to, or when it is based on myth. I run 25-30ppm CO2 and my fish are all happy.