Aeration for true pH (gassing off CO2)

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hey jsoong...

I think I have figured out some exact amounts here based on some R.O./tap mixtures. Tell me if this sounds right.

2.5 gallons R.O./1 gallon tap: pH 7.2 AERATED, 2 dKH
3.0 gallons R.O./1 gallon tap: pH 7.0-7.1 AERATED, between 1-2 dKH
3.0+ gallons R.O./1 gallon tap: pH 7.0 and below AERATED, 1dKH

I did this because I wanted to get a mixture that had exactly 2dKH, and I wanted to see the pH that corresponded to it. So, if I wanted to push my KH up to a 2, then it would push my pH up to a 7.2, at least from what I can tell. How does this sound? Keeping my pH at a 7.2 may be be a better option because it gives me a little extra KH. See, I'm learning :p
 
Purrbox, thanks. Maybe that is something I should invest in.
 
DSeen:

I am sort of in the same boat as you. I've tried to determine what the best mix of RO & my tap (well water) would be for pH, KH, & GH.

Reading you threads and my own trouble coming up with the proper mix makes me say: "FORGETABOUTIT"

From now on I'll just ask my fish and if they answer I'll know I've been drinking too much again... :drinking:

Also thanks Purrbox, I kept seeing the TDS thing and wondered what that stood for.
 
I think I have figured out some exact amounts here based on some R.O./tap mixtures. Tell me if this sounds right.

2.5 gallons R.O./1 gallon tap: pH 7.2 AERATED, 2 dKH
3.0 gallons R.O./1 gallon tap: pH 7.0-7.1 AERATED, between 1-2 dKH
3.0+ gallons R.O./1 gallon tap: pH 7.0 and below AERATED, 1dKH

I think you are getting the hang of it! Your numbers are right on!

Test a sample of the 2 dKH mix just to be sure, but I would think that it would be very close. <There is always a bit of error introduced due to our test kit inaccuracies .... The really fanatical (& reefers) would do the measurements with a TDS and a pH meter, but I think it is overkill for FW. >
 
Well, my tank is full with the filters on, and every time I test my pH, I get a different number. Is this because the tank is circulating, or because I have low KH?
 
Well, it's about an hour later than that last post, and I have been testing my pH a lot because I am paranoid. Yes, this hobby has made me paranoid. When you are not working and all you do all day is toy on fishtanks and water chemistry, you tend to go a little crazy. Fortunately, it seems to have leveled off.

Anywho, jsoong where are you? In your opinion, which is the better option here...

Option 1: pH 7, KH 1, Gh 1, or
Option 2: pH 7.2 (or maybe even a little higher) KH 2, GH 2 ???

I'm assuming you will say option #2 because of the higher Gh and KH, but I want to be sure.

And one more question too jsoong, and I know you already answered this a million times, but tell me again. If water is carbonate buffered (like mine seems to be) then is it possible to get a pH lower than a 7 without dropping your KH below a 1, excluding the addition of CO2 or other acids?
 
You're right, I am going to opt for #2. Always err on the side of safety.

The theoretical numbers for a pure carbonate buffered system, after equilibrating with atmospheric levels of CO2, are:

KH of 0 - pH 6.1-6.2
KH of 1 - pH 7.0-7.1
KH of 2 - pH 7.1-7.2

So no, if you want a KH of 1, you can't have pH less than 7.0 unless you add CO2 or other acid buffer.
 
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