I have this perpetual problem where my tank's pH keeps increasing.
First I thought it's the problem with the gravel, so I changed them as I move to NanoCube.
Then I thought it's the lack of kH to stablise the pH, I tried but as my kH reached it's correct level, my pH still increase.
I put Papillon Torrax black peat granules last night and it seems to have no effect.
Today, the pH is 8! An increase of 7.2 last night.
I'm stumped. Any ideas?
There is no kH correct level to begin with... As kH and pH are related, if there is no buffering elements in the water...
Since you are doing CO2, up your CO2 level to 30ppm... You probably have too little CO2 hence the kH is too low to prevent a pH increase.
OK, this is cool.
Do you mean that I can add more kH powder again?
My CO2 level indicator shows that my CO2 pretty high, so I shouldn't increase the level again.
Any ideas?
hi nkthen
can you tell us what decor you have in the tank, as usually your waters ph shouldnt rise without there being something to raise it?
mick
Here's a view of my tank:
I have:
1) Plants
2) Nisso CO2 Generator
I have other filter stones that shouldn't raise the pH.
My only possible reason is that I left my dead fish inside because my Yamato shrimps can fest on them. Will that cause a problem?
Last edited by nkthen; 28th Jun 2006 at 22:02.
Doing kH powder? For what?
You have CO2 already, which will add in your carbonates... Moreover, without a good supply of CO2, and fertilisation, you get a good welcome dose of algae and dead plants...
Just up your CO2 and minus your kH powder Your high CO2 is reading is based on what? CO2 test kit? Which I can only say is inaccurate.
If you using kH and pH comparison chart for CO2 measurement, with your kH powder, it wouldn't be accurate. For the calculation, you can use the AQ calculator. http://www.aquaticquotient.com/forum/aq_calculator.php
what's your KH level?
increasing your KH will increase your pH
Cheers,
Melvin Lim
My kH level is at 9kH
that's abit high.
stop adding anything that'll increase KH.
keep up your regular water changes and let that lower the KH slowly.
KH ard 3-4 is good enough for planted tanks.
some info.
http://www.drhelm.com/aquarium/chemistry.html
Cheers,
Melvin Lim
I'll change the water later.
Just a thought, will the rock that I got affect the pH? I got the rocks from LFS at Tampines Blk 201. I don't think he will give me the rock that contains lime right?
You never know; it might. Most rocks alter pH/kH of the water a little.
But seriously, after all, if your plants and fish are fine, why bother about the kH or pH? I personally don't bother at all..
I won't want to bother about pH too... As long as it's within 6.5-7.5
But if it goes to pH of 8, it's not good.
Unless you are saying that it's OK to have it at 8 or more.
higher pH and KH would not be too good for fishes that prefer soft, acidic (slight) waters. good to zoom in on the cause of the rise and rectify.
Cheers,
Melvin Lim
OK, I think I've found the reason why.
I just came back from LFS in Tampines Blk 201 and they told me that because my tank is new, the filter stones are not adjusted.
In short, my tank is still new.
One way to do is to remove all the stones, adjust and stablise the pH and then put back the stones.
Another way is just to put the pleats. Which I did.
Currently, my pH has been at 7.3-7.4 for the past 20 hours. Looks like it's OK to me now.
I thought I might share this so that you may benefit.
nkthen using electronic CO2, you able to obtain the desire CO2 and ph level?
The Happiest of people don't neccessary have the best of everything;
they just make the most of everything that comes along their way
When will there be 25 letters in the alphabets?
CO2 level seems correct. I haven't seen if CO2 will affect the ph level.
It's seems like my pleats have helped sustain the ph level.
i don't think the stones have any impact on pH as much as your KH levels.
unless the stone are buffering the pH too.
the stones should be the new biomedia the shop's selling right?
never heard of new biomedia will push up pH during the initial cycling phase??
also, get rid of the co2 checker.
just use the pH and KH chart as a guide and observe your plants and fishes.
with good fert dosing but appearance of algae, sign of insufficient co2.
Cheers,
Melvin Lim
According to the shop owner, they believe that the new stones will increase the pH. So I just take it at face value.
So far, my tank's pH has been fine. I think the pH has been stablised ever since I increased my pleats.
kH powder is probably the same thing as Baking Soda. They are alkaline and raises kH and pH as well. Usually a kH of about 4 is quite sufficient. Up your CO2 to lower the pH as well as bringing the CO2 level to a good level.
For info, 1 tsp baking soda raises 50L of water by 4 dkH.
Read more at http://www.csd.net/~cgadd/aqua/art_plant_co2chart.htm
koah fong
Juggler's tanks
I got a feeling that nkthen is not using a CO2 test kit but based on the nisso CO2 dial... Am I right Then?
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