Originally Posted by f1ea

Hi, its me again...

I find it very strange that my 3-4 week old NPT (mineralized soil) is losing hardness like crazy.

I'm using tap water coming from a well with KH 7, GH 12, pH 7.
But my tank water is at KH 4, GH 7 and pH 8.

There's a decent fish load, and i am feeding regularly... 128W + sunlight on a 200 Gal.

I'm concerned because if i am not supposed to do regular water changes, at this rate, over a few months the hardness will drop to 0. Could it?? Also, pH should be decreasing with all the decomposition going on....

Right now its going through its algae phase. Green water, black hair, and 'maybe' blue-green... Its slowly improving, and as i can see, in 2-3 weeks it looks like water will be clear.

Any experiences?? suggestions??
Could i try some Excel to help w/ algae and increase CO2 so that the plants don't steal so much water hardness??

Puzzled...
(Fish are healthy, except for a Rainbow shark that died w/ a swim bladder issue)

Regards, and thanks for all the help!