water chem question
thanks! i’ll do that. i’m going to get a KH test kit tonight from the LFS. it’s from tetra and i think it will test KH and GH. I’ll let you know what i get.
Giancarlo Podio wrote: I don’t use any kind of PH products. Most of them are only a temporary fix, if you don’t adjust KH any change in PH is only temporary. Products that raise alkalinity are OK, products that lower it are often using phosphates to do so which is an undesirable element, specially in a well lit planted tank. Neutral Regulators are products that attempt to reach a neutral PH regardless of the starting water parameters, they are somewhat of a mix of the two above. They still use phosphates to precipitate calcium and carbonates, something you already don’t have enough of!
Of all the folks that need to adjust hardness and PH, you’re in the ideal situation as having to raise hardness is no problem. Lowering it permanently without using products with side-effects on the other hand is more difficult, usually having to resort to RO filtered water or similar.
You could also add a media bag of crushed coral or oyster shells to slowly release carbonates in the water… you just need to adjust the amount and find the right volume to maintain your desired levels.
Hope that helps Giancarlo Podio, LMD
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