puzzled

[300zx]

run my set up at 6.5ph seemed to be stable, keep freshwater rays. have put some plants in. so far the rays have left them alone, also in the tank six discus and an arowana. temp is 26.9-27.4. the ph level seems to keep droping ever since the plants have been in. has crept as low as 6, change 20% of water every 3-4 days. 75% ro 25% tap water. any ideas

thanks in advance

 

[WILDER]

This might help.

http/www.drhelm.com/aquarium/chemistry.html

 

[300zx]

This might help.

http/www.drhelm.com/aquarium/chemistry.html

[snapback]895220[/snapback]​

thanks, I take it the plants are giving off co2

 

[WILDER]

Put this in the beginners section you will get alot more replys over there.

 

[reg2k2]

I take it the plants are giving off co2

Plants take in CO2.


Question: Do you add CO2?
If not, it's possible the plants are reaching for more. Test your KH...judging by the pH, it's likely to be low.
Once plants use up avail. CO2 in the water column, they may begin to take from the carbonates, reducing the KH, which at some point will cause a 'break' and the pH will begin to drop.

CO2 injection seems to be the solution. Not something to jump into lightly (and I've never kept plants)---so do the research! (See Plants section below ).

hth

Just re-read your post. May be as simple as adjusting the mix of r/o & tap. Again, check KH results.

 

[300zx]

I take it the plants are giving off co2

Plants take in CO2.


Question: Do you add CO2?
If not, it's possible the plants are reaching for more. Test your KH...judging by the pH, it's likely to be low.
Once plants use up avail. CO2 in the water column, they may begin to take from the carbonates, reducing the KH, which at some point will cause a 'break' and the pH will begin to drop.

CO2 injection seems to be the solution. Not something to jump into lightly (and I've never kept plants)---so do the research! (See Plants section below ).

hth

Just re-read your post. May be as simple as adjusting the mix of r/o & tap. Again, check KH results.

[snapback]895374[/snapback]​

thanks for the advice, have increase the level of tap water, then I think it might be bye bye plants and back to stability

 

[Dangerousdan]

I was just going to say reduce amount of unstable RO water you use. My friend had same problem in his marine tank. He stoped using RO and stabilty has returned and so far no more problems.