KH Carbonate Hardness

[julioarca]

Had a ph crash at weekend, PH below 6.0, carbonate hardness about 0o, not giving a pale blue colour at all from the first drop of test agent as it should so its well below 20ppm.
Used some Kent KH buffer, that brought my ph to 6.2 but after 4 days ph dropping again below 6.o

Using some more Kent KH buffer to adjust, I have got a full planted tank so is it the plants that are using up the kh in the water?

What can I do to keep the KH at a good level without constant adjustments.
Would something like proper ph 6.5 help?

David

 

[WILDER]

I wouldn't mess with it, just let the tank adjust the fish will adjust to it.

 

[The-Wolf]

doing regular and more frequent water changes will soon bring your kH and pH back upto normal.
(not suggesting that you are sloppy with your housekeeping, just suggesting a cheaper alternative to expensive buffers)

 

[julioarca]

Water change evry other day, no offence taken

 

[reg2k2]

If your tap measures 0KH, yes you will need to raise it. If you use a commercial buffer/baking soda, this will need to be added to any replacemt water.

I use coral in my filter--but I have no plants--I don't know if there would be any drawbacks using this method with them, tho I wouldn't really think so...

Yes, if plants do not have enough CO2, they may begin to take from the carbonates, reducing KH.
Addition of CO2 may be a solution....but not something to be jumped into lightly, I'm sure, esp. w/ low KH.

Nitrate level ok?...this could bring it down, too.

hth

 

[julioarca]

Nitrate about 40 ish, coral sounds good idea, not too sure bout Co2 though

 

[Bloo]

Just a question though - what exactly are your tap water readings on nitrates and KH (before putting it in the tank) ? I'm assuming you're using tap water for your tank and not bottled or RO water.