What should i expect when using crushed coral for ph?

[pixelcatt]

I normally have high ph tap water. Because of that and my green phantom pleco i added a piece of mopani wood. Over the last month its lowered my tanks ph too much so i added 3tbsp of crushed coral to my filter now its a solid 6.8 even right after pwc.

Now i have a second wood loving pleco and will be adding a second piece. I'm conserned it will lower my ph too much long term. I know i can naturally balance the buffers with the crushed coral.

At what amt/rate does the crushed coral typically work? I just an idea of how much to add to make adjustments.

 

[aqua_chem]

Out of curiosity, have you tested your tap water after letting it equilibrate for a day or so, mabye with an airstone in it? I have personally experienced water that will drop 1.5+ in 24 hours time.

 

[pixelcatt]

I havent done that but i know before adding the wood my ph would jump around at extremes. It became stable one month after adding the wood.

 

[aqua_chem]

I wouldn't expect an extreme jump necessarily. Do you know what your KH is?

 

[pixelcatt]

I havent been able to check that in a while cause my test strips went bad not that their results were ever accurate when compared to the liquid test results. I only have the liquid tests for nitrites, ph, and ammonia. I have tests for nitrates and gh & kh in the mail. I'm not in a big rush, I'm still prepping the new mopani wood. Ill be able to get an estimate of kh tomorrow though. Ill post when i know.