PH/KH question from newbie

[benji1174]

I just set up a 55 gal. freshwater tank. I plan on fish and plants (unsure of the species right now). I used 1/2 flourite and 1/2 aquarium gravel as the substrate (about 3-4 inches). I used RO water to fill the aquarium (I don't drink my tap water so I really don't expect my fish to have to live in it). Since I use RO, my PH is very low and I have no KH or GH. I plan on using Seachem's 'Equilibrium' to maintain my GH and using the Seachem's Alkiline buffer to raise PH and KH.

My question is. . . would I bennefit from adding a bit of crushed coral in my filter to supply a constant source of KH and PH buffering help? If so, how much and how often should I change the coral?

Thanks for the help!!

 

[ghetzel]

I use Equilibrium for managing GH and Sodium Bicarbonate (Arm & Hammer from the grocery) for KH. When I replace 4 gallons with RO, I dose 3/8 teaspoon of both. My GH is about 100PPM and KH is about 70.

In my case, I was unable to get the PH below about 8.0 until I injected CO2. Now the PH is right at 7.0.

Hope that helps.

 

[patoloco]

First of all, why do you think the tap water is bad? Pelase let us know.

Also, let me congratulate you for I see you have researched beforehand.

Let get into bussiness. You might add the crushed coral to the tank, and monitor the values. You should end up shortly with a nice Kh level and an pH of around 7.4, if I'm not wrong. Keeping an eye on the ph and kh level will tell you when it's time to replace it.

About the RO water, using it alone is not good. Most people use a 50/50 mix of tap/ro water. If you go with RO alone, you must suplement it with dissolved minerals, but I don't have that info right now.

Once again, why is your tap water so problematic?

 

[benji1174]

I used to use my tap water for marine tanks but had many many problems with algae and water quality so I finaly got my own RO unit. I guess I assumed (maybe incorrectly) that RO would be good for a freshwater tank as well as I can control the stuff that goes into it.

 

[budrecki]

The fact that you find you tap water to be unpalatable, does not mean your fish will find it unpalatable. Unless there is a major chemical problem with your water, using it as opposed to RO water is the best way to keep happy fish. With RO water you have add back make of the things the RO process takes out. We don't like the taste of many of these dissolved compounds, but fish need them to thrive.

What are the parameters of your tap water?
ph
gh
kh
nitrate
nitrite
ammonia

 

[benji1174]

My tap water tests as follows:

pH = 7.5
dGH = 5
dKH = 3
Ammonia = 1.5mg/l +
Nitrite = 0
I'll have to get back to you on the 'trates.

What would be the ideal param's for a freshwater tank with some easy plants (not sure which), and some fish (tetras, gouramis, corys, others?)

p.s. I plan on putting together a DIY CO2 system for now and moving to a pressurized unit when I get some extra money and find a deal.

 

[daveedka]

My tap water tests as follows :
pH = 7.5
dGH = 5
dKH = 3
Ammonia = 1.5mg/l +
Nitrite = 0

Actually the GH is slightly low the Kh is perfect, the ammonia is a concern if not handled properly, Does your water company use chloramine? That may be the source of the ammonia. Either way if you use Prime or Amquel plus for water conditioner, They will bind the ammonia into ammonium whcih won't harm your fish, and will still allow your bio-filter to remove it.
If you start with plants you may need to dose some calcium and magnesium, but otherwise that water would be great.

RO usually proves unnecessary for Freshwater tanks. As you already know you have to add stuff back in and with the tap water numbers you posted I can see no reason to go to the trouble. With the tap water being so soft, you may want to test the waste water from your RO system and use that to bump up your GH a bit. Reiverix Does this to reduce the amount of calcium and magnesium he has to dose for his plants and shrimp.
Dave

 

[TKOS]

I would also see if you can get a phosphate reading. That is probably why the algae problems were occuring in your marine tanks. Your water company will be able to give you a report of what is in the water, generally that is listed online. And you should find out if you have chloramine instead of chlorine in the water.

 

[benji1174]

The 2004 water report for my city does not mention Chloramine, it only mentions Chlorine. It does not show a phosphate reading but does show an average Nitrate reading of .08mg/l. I am ordering a phosphate test kit as well as a Nitrate to check those levels.

By the way, does anyone know the shelf life of Prime? I have a bottle left from about 2 years ago, before I started using RO water. Can I use it or is it better to just toss it and get a new bottle. (it has been opened)

 

[daveedka]

Not sure the shelf life on Prime, But I can say if you go to Seachem's website and post a question you'll have an answer in roughly 7 seconds. Seachem is about as good as it gets for answering customer questions.