Jack
Aquarium Advice Regular
I broke down and did some study and now have a much better understanding of pH and KH as it relates to dissolved CO2. Assuming there is a direct relationship as shown on the charts, the use of CO2 is merely a method to reduce pH while keeping KH constant (indirectly increasing dissolved CO2), not to directly add CO2 to the aquarium to be utilized by the plants. It appears that if one uses a "conditioner" to lower pH, you're lowering KH at the same time which is counter productive (basically, the higher the KH and the lower the pH the greater the dissolved CO2). If KH and pH are both reduced, unless KH can be maintained @ that level, both KH and pH will likely increase w/water changes and such. Also, if KH gets too low large pH swings are likely which are even more problematic for fish and plants.
All that being said, is there some commercial pH reducer that reduces pH, while leaving KH alone? (other than CO2) I measured my KH and pH today with a KH reading of about 6.0 and a pH of about 8.0. Though the measurements were taken late in the day (after the tank lights had been on for approx. 9 hrs.) I doub think the pH is going down enough @ night to get an adequate supply of dissolved CO2 built up. I would like to keep my KH where it is but reduce the pH. Is there another way other than CO2?
Does anybody know anything about the Carbo-Plus?-- uses a carbon block to create carbon dioxide.
All that being said, is there some commercial pH reducer that reduces pH, while leaving KH alone? (other than CO2) I measured my KH and pH today with a KH reading of about 6.0 and a pH of about 8.0. Though the measurements were taken late in the day (after the tank lights had been on for approx. 9 hrs.) I doub think the pH is going down enough @ night to get an adequate supply of dissolved CO2 built up. I would like to keep my KH where it is but reduce the pH. Is there another way other than CO2?
Does anybody know anything about the Carbo-Plus?-- uses a carbon block to create carbon dioxide.