[bms]

I have started measuring my Ph and Kh levels to find out the concentration of CO2 on my water...

I had noticed neither the Ph nor the Kh are suffering any strong variations... Ph remained around 6.8 and Kh at 7.

Yesterday I added Baking Soda to my CO2 mix, to supposedly (I am still experimenting) get a more steady production of CO2... and voila this morning my Kh was up to 9.

I read that Baking Soda has this effect... but, what levels of Kh are safe? Should I be concerned with the Kh values by themselves or only by the resulting CO2 concentration? If I need to control (reduce) my KH how do I accomplish that?

I guess I need to understand a little better not only the relation amongst this measurements but their causes and relationships to plant healt and tank maintenance.

I appreciate any references guidelines.

 

[bms]

Well I added Baking Soda to my DIY CO2 system, not to the tank itself.

I assumed this had some effect on my Kh in the tank, even though the BS is not in direct contact with the tank water.

But I get your point... the only thing that matters is the CO2 concentration and the Ph values that both plants and fish can support keeping the former in "normal" ranges will always produce an acceptable KH level... is this logic correct?

 

[bms]

Nope I removed most of them them... I left some in there... including the black one on this picture:

http://www.aquaticplantcentral.com/forum/download.php?id=129

Is this one safe?

 

[bms]

Nope I removed most of them them... I left some in there... including the black one on this picture:

http://www.aquaticplantcentral.com/forum/download.php?id=129

Is this one safe?

 

[bms]

My concern with such a high Kh is that my Ph will have to be high as well to maintain a safe Ph...

Now, assuming I reduce the amount of CO2 I inject... the CO2 concentration would be less, but what is expected in regards to Kh / Ph readings?

 

[bms]

Thanks for the information... I will read the references you posted. I am a bit concerned I have something in my tank that is rising the Kh... I removed some stones that where limestones and left some others there I tested with vinager and didn't fizz so I thought they were OK...

But, I tested my tap water this morning Ph 7.8 and Kh 2! There must be something in my tank causing the Kh to rise.

I am going to take pictures of all my stones and see if someone can tell me if they are safe to use.