Lowering Water Conductivity

[dfea]

Hi All,

So I just bought my first conductivity meter, calibrated it, and discovered that the water in my tanks is much harder than I thought. I guess those GH test kits aren't worth the money paid. Anyway, I use only reconstituted RO/DI so softening the water isn't a problem. So how quickly can one safely lower the conductivity of the water? I keep primarily Westies.

Thanks - Dan

 

[dw1305]

Hi all,
Conductivity measures all the salts in the water (nearer to TDS than GH), so it may well be measuring ions that don't contribute to the GH or KH.

Have a look here <http://www.forum.apistogramma.com/showthread.php?t=9424>.

I don't think it will particularly bother the fish how quickly you lower the conductivity, I'd just change the aquarium water with 10% straight RO every day until you get to the value you want. I'd go fairly slowly as you may find pH becomes more unstable at lower conductivities.

cheers Darrel

 

[dfea]

Thanks Darrel,

Based on the description in the link, can I assume that the high conductivity may be a result of the buffer added after re-constituting?

- Dan

 

[dw1305]

Hi all,

high conductivity may be a result of the buffer added after re-constituting?

Almost certainly, the conductivity just measures the level of dissolved salts, but not which ones they are. I'd probably add less of the re-constituting salts to your RO until you reach the level you want in the tank (I don't know much about Westies, but probably fairly stable and about 100-150 micro S. in the tank water).

cheers Darrel

 

[dfea]

Thanks again Darrel

Yep that is the plan. I am going to be targeting the 90 uS range.

- Dan

 

[dw1305]

Hi all,

I am going to be targeting the 90 uS range.

Yes that is all the water testing I do now, no pH's, nitrates etc. just a daily water change and a very occasional conductivity reading. It makes sense really, "stability & good water = happy fish".
cheers Darrel