Water Chemistry

[Tocan]

I have a Hardness test kit that tests both Temporary and Total hardness. The readings i get are: Total = 9 DH Temporary = 3.5 DH.
What is the differance?
I want to find out the CO2 quantiy being produced by my DIY CO2 setup, Im useing a CO2 calculator and it asks for PH and KH, is KH the same as DH and which hardness figure do i use, Tempoary or Total?
Water readings:
Total = 9 DH
Temp = 3.5 DH
PH = 8
Nitra = 25
Nitri = 0
Ammonia = 0

 

[Bangin]

My test kit doesn't have a 'temporary' test kit, but temporary hardness refers to the kH. Using the measurements that you provided, Chuck's calculator says you have 1.05ppm CO2. The pH is too high or the kH is too low.

 

[Tocan]

Thx
Should i increase my CO2 or low the PH with buffers

 

[Lateral Line]

Try to avoid pH altering buffers. They are usually more trouble then they are worth, adding a lot of phosphates to the tank. It encourages algae.

 

[Yenko]

Just out of curiosity, is the conventional method of buffering a Co2 injected tank, baking soda, a source of phosphates?

 

[Lateral Line]

No.

 

[Bangin]

Yenko, I know of several planted tank enthusiasts that use baking soda to raise the kh. I've used this method several times with no problems at all. I fear using crushed coral will lead to irregular shifts. Don't ask me why, I just prefer using something that can be measured. It seems like crushed coral would need more monitoring than just using baking soda. Who knows?