Several Questions

[Nexstar]

I am trying to get a base Ph and Kh that is very workable prior to putting my CO2 into play. My base Ph from my tap is 8 and Kh 13 these are no where near productive for CO2 success
I set my tank up with Ro and supplimented it with RO Right etc.
PH with lights on all day 11 hours is

AM 6.5 or 6.6
Kh 2

PM 7.0
KH 3

I used some baking soda to increase the KH and it is now 5.5 but ph is 7.4
This Kh would be excellent if the ph were 6.8. HOw can I reduce ph without reducing KH?
I want my Kh to be 5-6 and PH 6.8. Since Kh is about where I want it how can I reduce Ph and not reduce KH
Peat?
Black Water Extract or treatment Seachem has something like this?
A ph buffering agent but it would probably pull down the KH as well.

Or should I dilute tank with 20% treated RO and bring ph back down and put some coral or other natural buffer to raise Kh?

I want to start my Carbo Plus tomorrow with a PH Controller. If in the morning my ph were 7.0 or 7.1 and KH were 5 or slightly greater then I could set my controller to come on whenever Ph were greater than 6.8 and it would be ideal.

What way is best to get there.
I know many are going to say CO2 injection and I concur but I just purchased this Carbo Plus and am going to go with it for a time since cannot return it. It hasn't been used but I know the dealer no way is he going to take it back packaged or not.

Maybe next year I will go that route.

So we need to make this set up work for a time. Tank 24 gallon with 20-21 gallon water.

72 watts of lights two flour tubes. One is twin white 7100K the other pink and white so 8100K. I have several different combonations of thse could go one blue/pink and double white, or pink/white both, or pink/blue and double white. Whatever combination is best in groups opinion.

Several questions I know.

Also I have a pure Flora Base substrate but I am considering for appearance reasons of putting black eco-complete over the Flora Base. Thoughts here please.

Thanks
Bob

Thanks

 

[Bangin]

I'm one of the many that would have said CO2 injection. That's the only method I've ever used. Sorry I couldn't be of more help.

 

[Bol]

I want my Kh to be 5-6 and PH 6.8. Since Kh is about where I want it how can I reduce Ph and not reduce KH

The only way I know of (other than injecting CO2) to do that is to add other buffers -- namely phosphates. But that brings about other problems.

Also, just for info, everything I've read about the CarboPlus unit says that it uses the carbonates in your water when producing CO2. Meaning, if you use it, you can probably expect it to drop your KH very significantly, and in addition, will probably see the GH drop as people claim it also causes calcium to precipitate out of your water.

Out of curiosity, with a tank that size, have you considered trying a DIY CO2 injection system?

 

[Nexstar]

Yes I have a DIY system here I am just concerned about CO2 climbing too high as they run 24/7. I could try it no problem. I have heard they can explode due to pressure build up. My house here is So Cal can get very warm during the day when at work in the 80's or better. I don't know what or how this would affect such a system.
I could try it and by using it or an injection system I would not have KH or GH swings as they are not using them to generate their CO2. If I understand that method correctly.

I am certain if I could get CO2 to mid 20's I would have some serious growth. Once where I want it then lean CO2 some to maintain but not accelerate growth.

Let me know what you can. as far as these ideas go.

Also have you ever heard of "Natural Aquarium Vital" by Marc Weiss a carbonator for the nataural fresh water aquarium. It is a liguid that time releases CO2. I have considered using this as I have a bottle and some of his products are highly recommended.

Bob

 

[Bol]

I suppose a DIY bottle could "explode", but it seems pretty unlikely to me (not that I'll come over and clean up if it happens ).

If you're worried about the pH at night, I suppose you could rig a DIY setup so you can go into "night mode" -- either vent the CO2 to atmosphere, or switch it to a less efficient diffuser (like maybe an airstone). Not the most convenient solution.

Once where I want it then lean CO2 some to maintain but not accelerate growth.

I may be wrong, but I'm not sure it works that way -- I've never tried it. At the least, I'd suggest keeping this reminder in mind:

If you pump up your CO2 to 20-ish ppm, and you have sufficient light (which it seems you do), you'll probably find that you will need to dose fertilizers in order to keep the plants lush. When you cut back on the CO2, remember you're going to have to cut back on the fertilizers, or you'll probably end up with algae soup.

And, personally, I've never heard of the Mark Weiss product.