- Messages
- 88
- Location
- Boston, MA
Hi Guys,
I am receiving a RO unit in the mail any day now. I'd like a little advice on getting the kH right for the fish I have if possible. The two relevant species in my tank are A. Agassizzi and A. Cacatuoides.
A few facts:
- My tap water is exceptionally hard. I don't have an exact measurement, but will get one when my sensor comes with the RO unit.
- I use CO2 injection on my tank, which makes the water more acidic then it ordinarily would be for the kH it's at. It will also make me more prone to pH dives once I start using RO water.
- I make weekly 20-30% water changes.
- It is a newly planted tank that appears to be doing well, but I don't think the plants are creating optimal oxygen levels yet.
- There is a relatively light bioload (about 15 fish - most under 2.0 inches - in 46 gallons).
- All fish in the tank prefer soft/acidic conditions, though I don't know that many would like going much lower than 6.3 pH.
I have two questions:
1. What kH do you guys think I should aim for when I start using RO water for changes...to keep the Apistos happy while still avoiding the pH crashes associated with CO2 injection? I've been told 3 kH is probably as soft as you want to get with CO2 injection. Note that the water will be more acidic then ordinary for any kH I arrive at.
2. What method do you favor for buffering RO water? I've been told that adding a buffering agent to 100% RO water (that has been aerated) is better than mixing RO water with tap, since it's more precise and avoids any additives that might be in tap water.
Thanks,
Jason
I am receiving a RO unit in the mail any day now. I'd like a little advice on getting the kH right for the fish I have if possible. The two relevant species in my tank are A. Agassizzi and A. Cacatuoides.
A few facts:
- My tap water is exceptionally hard. I don't have an exact measurement, but will get one when my sensor comes with the RO unit.
- I use CO2 injection on my tank, which makes the water more acidic then it ordinarily would be for the kH it's at. It will also make me more prone to pH dives once I start using RO water.
- I make weekly 20-30% water changes.
- It is a newly planted tank that appears to be doing well, but I don't think the plants are creating optimal oxygen levels yet.
- There is a relatively light bioload (about 15 fish - most under 2.0 inches - in 46 gallons).
- All fish in the tank prefer soft/acidic conditions, though I don't know that many would like going much lower than 6.3 pH.
I have two questions:
1. What kH do you guys think I should aim for when I start using RO water for changes...to keep the Apistos happy while still avoiding the pH crashes associated with CO2 injection? I've been told 3 kH is probably as soft as you want to get with CO2 injection. Note that the water will be more acidic then ordinary for any kH I arrive at.
2. What method do you favor for buffering RO water? I've been told that adding a buffering agent to 100% RO water (that has been aerated) is better than mixing RO water with tap, since it's more precise and avoids any additives that might be in tap water.
Thanks,
Jason