I seem to be having issues with the PH/KH of my water, directly relating to my CO2 schedule and starting to think it could be the reason behind 2 amano shrimp deaths.
I am testing my waters with a NT Labs test kit and a supporting electronic PH tester.
Tap water in my area (North West England) is moderately soft:
Clearly due to low KH in the water in my area, is allowing for the CO2 to plummet the PH.
I am concerned for my shrimp's well-being and the beneficial bacteria in my tank.
I have read up upon adding either a chemical or natural PH / KH booster but seem to find conflicting advice regarding the Tropica substrate burning out by holding on to the minerals - is it a case of taking the lesser of the 2 evils?
- It is a 30L cube, heavily planted and running for about 3 months now.
- Injecting pressurised CO2 to 25PPM (on @7AM off @3PM - Light on @9AM off @5PM )
- 50% WC Weekly w/ 10% midweek top up
- Tropica Specialised ferts
- Tropica Plant Growth Substrate
- Tropica Soil Powder
- 2/3 inches of white sand in the foreground only for aesthetic
I am testing my waters with a NT Labs test kit and a supporting electronic PH tester.
Tap water in my area (North West England) is moderately soft:
- PH can vary from 6.8-7.0
- 4DKH typically
- 7 GH
- PH registering at 5.5 at peak afternoon near full CO2/light period(~3PM) and will eventually normalise to approximately 6.8-7
- 0DKH on NT Labs Test kit (1 drop immediately yellow) and will range from 0-4DKH outside of CO2/light period
Clearly due to low KH in the water in my area, is allowing for the CO2 to plummet the PH.
I am concerned for my shrimp's well-being and the beneficial bacteria in my tank.
I have read up upon adding either a chemical or natural PH / KH booster but seem to find conflicting advice regarding the Tropica substrate burning out by holding on to the minerals - is it a case of taking the lesser of the 2 evils?
Last edited: