rainbow longterm PH monitor

[robin]

just a curious question again, any kh pen or constant kh monitor?

coz i almost never measure my KH for about 2 months liao. I think better get started again.

Robin

[vinz]

To play safe, just raise KH by the amount you would thereotically loose by water change. E.g. If you want to maintain 6dKH, just raise 1.5dKH (for total tank volume) if you change 25% of water. Even if something in your tank is causing KH to drop, at the very least you have some KH which will prevent any wild pH swings. If you don't fiddle with your CO2 tank, the CO2 level shouldn't change too much, unless it's runned out.

[robin]

How does the plants "use up" KH?

[PeterGwee]

Robin, reading the following might help you...
Click here

[robin]

So Peter, Do I "Dose" KH?

[robin]

pardon the ignorance, just trying to find out more

[vinz]

Robin,

Decide how much CO2 you want in your tank. Next decide your target pH. From those 2, find out the KH you need to maintain to achieve those values from this chart.

First, raise your KH to the desired level using baking soda or whatever KH-up solutions/powders you want. (NOTE: raise no more the 2 dKH per 24hrs).

Next, measure your pH and then raise or lower the CO2 injection until the pH settles at your target pH. More CO2 => lower pH, less CO2 => higher pH.

[robin]

Thanks for the hint vinz. BTW how do i lower KH (impossible except change water??)

Robin

[vinz]

There's one other way... but I don't know how you going to do it... boiling.

[robin]

wah lau, boiling the tank with live fish and plants is quite a jiaLARD thought[]

[bclee]

pH down solutions will reduce KH. But I will choose water change.

BC

[PeterGwee]

pH down stuff usually adds lots of phosphate...it will skew your KH readings.

[robin]

yup i noticed that when i tried ph-down solution

robin

[robin]

So if ph-down solution add lots of phosphate means i no need to dose po4?

Robin

[robin]

So can i stop buying phosphate?

[robin]

Hello hello??

[tawauboy]

water change would be the most cost effective solution to reducing kh. also it will help to maintain good water quality. so why go for a chemical solution which cost more?

if the phosphates from the addition of ph-down solution can skew your kh readings, there could be too much phosphates in your tank water.