water parameters?
- Thread starter mujtba
- Start date
spafeature
Member
I just tested mine before lights went on and PH was low--7.9 My Calcium was 390. In DI water I use to top off I added a capful of liquid calcium and some ph booster. Will probably do small water change tomorrow.
stanlalee
Active Member
your unit of measure is calcium carbonate in ppm. that converts to a dKH of 8.4-9.0 which is within range (8-14) although you dont want it to get any lower. ditto for pH. Mine has stablized at 8.0 and I dont worry about it as long as calcium and buffer capacity readings are okay. you could try aerating the water more via powerhead close to the surface ect to see if that helps raise pH a tad. Calcium seems okay if you keep it fairly stable at that.
I wouldn't worry about the pH readings here as long as the alk numbers are okay. if they are there is not much chance of dangerous pH changes (the purpose of testing alk). For me a consistant pH above 8.0 is just wishful thinking. No matter what I do my pH ALWAYS stablizes at 8.0. I can either use a buffer daily for life or live with it.
I wouldn't worry about the pH readings here as long as the alk numbers are okay. if they are there is not much chance of dangerous pH changes (the purpose of testing alk). For me a consistant pH above 8.0 is just wishful thinking. No matter what I do my pH ALWAYS stablizes at 8.0. I can either use a buffer daily for life or live with it.
stanlalee
Active Member
Kalk is calcium hydroxide so yes it adds calcium but if you dont know what your doing it can cause dangerous pH spikes. If you use it and nothing else to raise calcium you will most likely run into excessive pH problems. You should probably stick with the baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) based buffers if needed and calcium supplements to maintain calcium levels. Once pH and calcium levels are what they need to be dKH will fall into place.