jameson_uk
Member
I went with some Tropica aquarium soil in my shrimp tank but I am interested in what this is actually doing.
The details just say
Thinking about the KH / pH / CO2 chart and as I guess the substrate can't change CO2 so the only way to lower pH would be to lower KH? In main tank GH is 10/12, KH is 4/5 and pH is 7.4. Based on the chart this equates to 5/6 ppm CO2. If the substrate dropped the KH to 1 then pH would reduce to 6.8 based on same CO2 ppm.
When I was starting all this I am sure I read lots about making sure you have a high enough KH to prevent a pH crash so not sure what the impact of this might be?
I am guessing that the substrate won't change the GH leaving this tank with a low KH and high GH? Could this cause any issues?
Finally the substrate is meant to have a lifespan so how will I know it needs replacing (is it a case of suddenly finding the pH has jumped; and shrimps probably die off...). If I use my tap water to do water changes I guess this will reduce the life?
The details just say
Which seems a bit wishy washy...Aquarium Soil ensures good and active growth from the beginning, and boosts the red plant shades.
It is a complete substrate, which can be used without any other types of bottom layer.
Aquarium Soil is further an active bottom layer that lowers the pH value and slightly affects the water chemistry.
Thinking about the KH / pH / CO2 chart and as I guess the substrate can't change CO2 so the only way to lower pH would be to lower KH? In main tank GH is 10/12, KH is 4/5 and pH is 7.4. Based on the chart this equates to 5/6 ppm CO2. If the substrate dropped the KH to 1 then pH would reduce to 6.8 based on same CO2 ppm.
When I was starting all this I am sure I read lots about making sure you have a high enough KH to prevent a pH crash so not sure what the impact of this might be?
I am guessing that the substrate won't change the GH leaving this tank with a low KH and high GH? Could this cause any issues?
Finally the substrate is meant to have a lifespan so how will I know it needs replacing (is it a case of suddenly finding the pH has jumped; and shrimps probably die off...). If I use my tap water to do water changes I guess this will reduce the life?