Is my kh right??
- Thread starter JGon
- Start date
- Tagged users None
7-12dKH is normal range
OP
OP
JGon
Community Member
I've had my water tested four times. At first my kh was at 5. The LFS sold me some buffer to increase it to 8. Dosed the tank the next three days. Kh was at 6. Dosed it the following two days. Tested at 6.5 the next day. Left it alone for five days. Had it tested and it was at 6.8. Am I missing somethin??
Randy Holmes-Farley
Reef Chemist
Staff member
Super Moderator
Excellence Award
Expert Contributor
Article Contributor
R2R Research
My Tank Thread
What is in the aquarium?
6.8 dKH matches the ocean, so it is fine for most situations, but some corals may grow faster at slightly higher levels.
6.8 dKH matches the ocean, so it is fine for most situations, but some corals may grow faster at slightly higher levels.
Randy Holmes-Farley
Reef Chemist
Staff member
Super Moderator
Excellence Award
Expert Contributor
Article Contributor
R2R Research
My Tank Thread
bpcass
New Member
I'd just watch it for a little while. Take readings every few days or daily if you want and see if it drops back down. If you don't have corals in there yet the KH should stay pretty stable. If you do have corals or are planning on getting them I wouldn't mess with alkalinity without also tracking calcium. If you just dose one the balance will be thrown off and you'll have problems with KH, calcium, and pH. It sounds like you are having your water tested at the LFS. If so get a test kit and start doing it yourself and pick up a calcium test too. You will be more consistent than having different people do it at the store every time.
OP
OP
JGon
Community Member
I do plan on adding corals and a few more fish. I was told I could already start adding coral. But this whole kh situation has me a bit concerned. I don't want to start adding coral until I have my parameters where they should be. Unless it really isn't a big deal where it's at at the moment.
bpcass
New Member
Where you are at is reasonable for now as long as you also have a reasonable pH 7.8-8.5. How new is the tank? What kind of corals do you plan to add? If you are going with soft corals you are fine. If you are going with hard corals you will be fine for a while until they start growing and pulling calcium and alkalinity out of the water. At that point you would need to start dosing a balanced calcium and alkalinity supplement such as calcium hydroxide (kalkwasser), or one of the many two part additives like B ionic.
Randy Holmes-Farley
Reef Chemist
Staff member
Super Moderator
Excellence Award
Expert Contributor
Article Contributor
R2R Research
My Tank Thread
I don't think it matters whether you boost it to 8 dKH or leave it where it is, but don't let it go lower.
beaslbob
2500 Club Member
depends on the units. If 6.8 DKH then probably a little low. I would read the improved diy two part system. Or even just add a tables poon or so of baking soda. But read the two part first.
my .02
