Raising KH
- Thread starter laka
- Start date
Initially no CO2 . Low tec set up. I still suspect the CO2 from respiration of plants fish bugs will still be enough to drop pH ? Don't like crushed coral .I feel adding dry powder will give me more accurate dosing.
Anyway let's go back to the original Q. Does KH powder raise the pH and if so are phosphates used to prevent an upward pH shift?
Anyway let's go back to the original Q. Does KH powder raise the pH and if so are phosphates used to prevent an upward pH shift?
kH and pH go hand in hand. Raise the kH and the pH goes up.
Baking soda is the buffer of choice. Cheap, easy to find, and works like a champ.
You start adding something to raise the kH and then something to lower the pH you will also notice the kH dropping. And your TDS (total dissolved solids) going though the roof.
Baking soda is the buffer of choice. Cheap, easy to find, and works like a champ.
You start adding something to raise the kH and then something to lower the pH you will also notice the kH dropping. And your TDS (total dissolved solids) going though the roof.
if your not even thinking about adding co2 there is no point in trying to mess with your water chemistry. a stable ph is a lot better then a ph that swings.
So Mgamer 20o0 are you telling me that my pH will not crash at a KH of 2 assuming i do not overpopulate and overfeed thefish in a low tec set up?As you stated what i should aim for is a stable pH. Is 2 degrees OK?
Rex Grigg ,Aquasonic states that baking soda will raise KH but only for a short period (everything else being equal) and you will need to keep adding whereas their KH generating powder will not only raise KH but keep it raised for a longer period so in theory less TDS in water.
Ergo Sum i want to avoid a pH crash leading to fish death.
Rex Grigg ,Aquasonic states that baking soda will raise KH but only for a short period (everything else being equal) and you will need to keep adding whereas their KH generating powder will not only raise KH but keep it raised for a longer period so in theory less TDS in water.
Ergo Sum i want to avoid a pH crash leading to fish death.
I have never had a problem with baking soda. Add it to the water and weeks later the kH has barely moved.
It would be interesting to see the MSDS on the product you mention. I'm betting it's baking soda in a fancy (and much more expensive) package.
As long as your tap water has a constant 2° and you are doing regular water changes you will have no problems.
Call the company up and ask if you can download a copy of their Material Data Safety Sheet. If you can then post the link I would really like to take a look at it.
It would be interesting to see the MSDS on the product you mention. I'm betting it's baking soda in a fancy (and much more expensive) package.
As long as your tap water has a constant 2° and you are doing regular water changes you will have no problems.
Call the company up and ask if you can download a copy of their Material Data Safety Sheet. If you can then post the link I would really like to take a look at it.