Eco-Complete substrate - buffering effects?

[An t-iasg]

My new 10 gallon tank has been set up for 2 weeks now. I just did my first measurements of KH and pH, expecting to add buffers like I did to my other tanks (they didn't have Eco).

What a surprise! My KH is 8 and pH is 7.6, giving a measly CO2 level of 6 ppm. The CO2 diffuser is bubbling away nicely. I did read about Eco having a buffering capability; I just didn't expect it to be that much.

My tap KH is 3 and pH is 8 (aged tap is 7.8).

How long before the buffering effects of the Eco drop a bit?

 

[mr funktastic]

i didnt experience any buffering in my water. are u sure it wasnt the eco complete cichlid substrate? that does have buffers that would explain why your levels are different.

 

[Purrbox]

If I remember correctly it will buffer the water for about a month before dropping back to normal. Been awhile since I read up on it though.

 

[JustOneMore20]

You know, I never thought about the Eco buffering the water. I changed to Eco about a month ago and before my KH was around 3. I checked it the other day because I added a Red Sea Turbo CO2 and the KH was 7. I was confused, but now it all makes sense!

So it won't last? That's not good because my KH is usually on the low side in all my tanks. I like 7 better!

 

[malkore]

A few 50% water changes will get rid of it.

 

[An t-iasg]

Thanks, everyone - Mr funktastic, it's the planted substrate. It's good to know the KH and GH will drop eventually. I don't think my yeast CO2 could keep up with that high of a KH. At least when my KH was 3, I could control the buffering.

I don't plan to add fish until late September when we get back from vacation. My mom is the tanksitter when we go on vacation. She likes bettas but I think she will freak over a tank of tetras so this way I'm not rushing to get the tank all ready, QT the fish, acclimate to tank, get to know them, etc., and then by that time it will be time to go on vacation. I'll wait until we're back. (and by this time next year my mom should be used to the tetras and won't mind feeding them!)