natebob
Aquarium Advice Newbie
I'm taking my first major attempt at finally getting a decent planted tank going. I want to DIY CO2 but when I tested my KH it is way too low. I've read that 3 dKH is the bare minimum for CO2 but I'm measuring 0 to 1 dKH (out of the tap I get 1 to 2 dKH). GH is not much better at 2 dGH.
I just started this tank about 1 week ago. It's a small 10G to keep me busy while at school (as if it isn't hard enough already), It has some plants that a friend gave me (not sure what they are, if important I can work on that) and some driftwood. Substrate is Flourite. Current has 20W CF but on order is a 36W AHsupply to either complement the 20W CF or stand alone. Filter is an AC Mini. pH is around 7.2 to 7.4. No fish yet, once things get going it will probably house some neons or similar.
What's the best way to get the KH and GH up? I've read that CaCO3 can be difficult to dissolve, some people use crushed coral (but I don't really want to buy a 10lb bag for 1/4 cup of it). Any other suggestions?
BTW - this forum has helped tremendously in getting me setup the right way - so far...hopefully.
A big thanks to everyone for your help
I just started this tank about 1 week ago. It's a small 10G to keep me busy while at school (as if it isn't hard enough already), It has some plants that a friend gave me (not sure what they are, if important I can work on that) and some driftwood. Substrate is Flourite. Current has 20W CF but on order is a 36W AHsupply to either complement the 20W CF or stand alone. Filter is an AC Mini. pH is around 7.2 to 7.4. No fish yet, once things get going it will probably house some neons or similar.
What's the best way to get the KH and GH up? I've read that CaCO3 can be difficult to dissolve, some people use crushed coral (but I don't really want to buy a 10lb bag for 1/4 cup of it). Any other suggestions?
BTW - this forum has helped tremendously in getting me setup the right way - so far...hopefully.
A big thanks to everyone for your help