Ph Kh And Sodium Bicarbonate

[Fatpants]

Hi.
I have had my tank set up for 18 months or so and all has been well until a couple of weeks ago. My Ph dropped to below 6 from a steady 7 and my cycle stalled slightly. The good news is I have managed to get through this with daily 15% water changes and the use of API proper ph 6.5. My Ph is now 6.5 and Ammonia 0
I am thinking my problem has been low Kh tap water (1). I was assured that the API stuff would not kill my plants but they are not looking to great at the min.
What I want to know is how best to up the Kh of my tap water(Ph 7 Kh 1)for my water changes. Baking soda has been mentioned but is that the best bet ? and what dosage would i need ? I want to keep my Ph between 6.5 and 7 with a Kh of 3 to stop any swings.
Any advice would be very welcome.
Thanks Stuart.

 

[drobbyb]

See the link in my signature. Not all of it will apply to you, but a lot of it will make sense and can be adapted to fit your needs.

 

[Fatpants]

Thanks for the link Bowhead. This is what I have been looking for. I knew it would be on here somewhere but I couldnt find it. Off to my lfs for some crushed coral. Going to do 15% water changes every 2 days until my Ph stabalizes near to my tapwater Ph.
Thanks again.

Link - http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?/topic/312063-my-ph-keeps-dropping/