First of all, if you're using a domestic water softener stop using it for the tank. If you're not, then use sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) to raise the KH to 4-5 (I don't like using crushed coral in the filter because it raises GH as well). If you go that route, you'll need to add it at every water change. You can calculate the required amount but suck it and see is easier.
questions on pH
- Thread starter marl_nyc
- Start date
ok so sodium bicarbonate it is what i need to raise the KH. What would the dosage be for a 55 gal planted tank and the frequency of use? Should I add it directly to the tank or should dillute it first in a littel of the thank water?
As I said, it's easier to add a little a time to get the level you need. What I'd do, to introduce it gradually, is ensure that all the water you add in water changes has been buffered up to a KH of 6. Presumably you're using a bucket, so you can find out by trial and error how much you need to get a bucket of water to that level. The tank will gradually get up to the same level over a few changes.
tanker
Josh Holloway--Be mine!!!
Ther are many thing to consider before just "dropping" PH.
Lowering PH (6.4 or 6.2) effects any Bio filtration (canisters, ect). The good bacteria just does not multiply or work as well---so amonnia/nitrite/nitrate is not converted well.
More water changing is needed. Low KH is a disaster waiting to happen with low PH--It can just drop. Using peat to lower PH is just fine and at 6.8 it is OK for discus.
Lowering PH (6.4 or 6.2) effects any Bio filtration (canisters, ect). The good bacteria just does not multiply or work as well---so amonnia/nitrite/nitrate is not converted well.
More water changing is needed. Low KH is a disaster waiting to happen with low PH--It can just drop. Using peat to lower PH is just fine and at 6.8 it is OK for discus.
