Hello,
Tank: 29g
Lighting: 1x T8 5500k
Filter: AquaClear 70 with bio and sponge only, recently added carbon
Substrate: 2.5" layer of flourite and playsand
I was on a budget when I started this tank, both money and time-wise. I became busy soon after setting it up and didn't have time to take proper care of it.
Right now, all of my plants are pretty much dead. I've removed it and cleaned out the filter. The fishes are doing well. My dilemma is here:
My pH is sitting at 6.0. If it's lower, then the indicator isn't able to show it. Even after cleaning and changing the sponge in my filter, and weekly 30% water changes, the pH goes back to 6.0 after 24 hours. This has been the same for a month now. my kH is sitting at ~2 degrees (0-50ppm).
I think that I need to raise my kH about 2 degrees and my pH to at least a 6.5.
1. What are some safe methods to do so without stressing out the fish?
Also I'd like to start planting again and I can afford a Co2 regulator system.
2. Should I start planting while treating the water?
3. Would planting help the kH and pH levels?
4. When should I start adding the Co2? A few months after planting in low light? When I switch to T5HO lighting? Co2 drops pH levels so I would have to get the kH up to prevent pH swings. How would I go about this?
Thanks.
Tank: 29g
Lighting: 1x T8 5500k
Filter: AquaClear 70 with bio and sponge only, recently added carbon
Substrate: 2.5" layer of flourite and playsand
I was on a budget when I started this tank, both money and time-wise. I became busy soon after setting it up and didn't have time to take proper care of it.
Right now, all of my plants are pretty much dead. I've removed it and cleaned out the filter. The fishes are doing well. My dilemma is here:
My pH is sitting at 6.0. If it's lower, then the indicator isn't able to show it. Even after cleaning and changing the sponge in my filter, and weekly 30% water changes, the pH goes back to 6.0 after 24 hours. This has been the same for a month now. my kH is sitting at ~2 degrees (0-50ppm).
I think that I need to raise my kH about 2 degrees and my pH to at least a 6.5.
1. What are some safe methods to do so without stressing out the fish?
Also I'd like to start planting again and I can afford a Co2 regulator system.
2. Should I start planting while treating the water?
3. Would planting help the kH and pH levels?
4. When should I start adding the Co2? A few months after planting in low light? When I switch to T5HO lighting? Co2 drops pH levels so I would have to get the kH up to prevent pH swings. How would I go about this?
Thanks.