Need Some Advice

[romando]

Need some advice from u guys.

1) How can I raise kh without affecting ph?
I tried to do it by adding sodium bicarbonate. My kh went from 0 to 5 and ph went from something like 6.8 to 8. I am trying to achieve:
kh 4 / ph 6.5~7.

2) I have tetras, swordtails and guppies with some riccia and rotala plants. Will they do better with some salt?

Regards
Ray

 

[astroguy]

Hi and welcome to AA.

First off why do you want to raise the KH? Is there a specific reason? Your pH value is fine. Changing from KH = 0 (which is strictly impossible) to KH =4 has no strong interest since it is still a soft water. Unless you specify why, I strongly suggest not to mess up with your water params, as it can stress your fishes unnecessarily.

On the second question: no. All these fishes are strictly freshwater fishes and will not like salt. Forget about this legend. Only marine and brackish water fishes need marine salt. All your fishes will have no problems with your water params above.

 

[Allivymar]

Just to add to astroguy's good advice:

pH and kH are closely linked. You might want to get a better handle of kH, pH and how they relate to each other before changing any of them; this link is a good place to start: http://faq.thekrib.com/begin-chem.html

And yeah, forget the salt. Tetras don't do well with it, plants hate it, and its not necessary for fish health as most tap water contains small amounts of salt. If you are using RO water, then it would be a different story, as pure water will mess up the fish's osmotic processes and likely kill it.

 

[TankGirl]

If you use crushed coral in your filter you will raise your KH. If you inject CO2 you will lower your pH, and likely achieve the results you desire.

 

[romando]

Thanks for the prompt reply guys.

1) I thought in order that the ph remains stable, the so call buffer should be at least 4 kh. Already I am experiencing ph swings. The water I put in my tank had a ph 7. When I tested it after 24 hours, it read 6. Wonder if this sudden drop is ok. Please note that DIY co2 is used. I am getting 1 bubble every 5 seconds or so.
2) I understand about the salt. I will not put any into my tank.

Regards
Ray

 

[astroguy]

Since you add CO2 and have little KH, indeed you may want to increase your KH a bit. Crushed coral is a good solution, but will cloud your tank a bit for a few days.

 

[TankGirl]

Okay, this is making more sense. You are experiencing the pH drop (which is not good) from the CO2 and a low KH. I think crushed coral in your filter will solve your problem, but it might take a little while. It might be a good idea to stop the CO2 until you see a rise in your KH. This way you don't have to add anything to your water change water, and you just change out the CC after 3-4 months or so.

HTH and good luck!

 

[TankGirl]

I have never had crushed coral cloud my tank, but that is just my experience. I put it in a mesh bag (unrinsed) in my canister filter, and in the media baskets for my Emperor HOB.

 

[romando]

Really appreciate u guys help.
I will give Tank Girl's suggestion of lowering or even stopping the co2 temporarily a try. If this method doesn't give the desirable result, I will go for the crushed corals.

Regards
Ray