Gh - Kh - Ph

Cichlids4Ever · 11-12-2006, 08:15 AM

I had a situation where my PH dropped. I can't figure out why.
Anyway, I bought special cichlid salts and cichlid water buffers.
I added them and I now have PH of 8.4, and it is suposed to remain stable with these buffers I used.
My GH is 125.3 and the KH is 143.2.
I am told they should be up higher to maintain the PH and keep it more stable?
Any thoughts?

Jay · 11-13-2006, 08:04 AM

Quote:

I had a situation where my PH dropped. I can't figure out why.

I would suggest that prior to adding the salts and buffers your KH was too low to sustain a higher pH.

A dKH of 8 should be fine for holding a pH of 8.4, remember that the sodium buffers you added do not show up on a KH test but still contribute to buffering.

You might want to consider boosting your GH some, say to 12 dGH and see if that helps keep the pH stable.

Just my $.02

Jay

Cichlids4Ever · 11-13-2006, 08:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jay

You might want to consider boosting your GH some, say to 12 dGH and see if that helps keep the pH stable.

Just my $.02

Jay

My test kit reads the GH and KH by counting the number of drops it takes to turn the solution to another color. You then count the drops and check the chart.
If my GH is 125.3 according to the chart, what is that in relationship to a GH of 12 as you say?

Also what do you use to raise GH?? I guess I could do an Internet search, but I am curious what you would suggest to raise GH.
I was told both GH and KH should be up over 200

Thanks Jay!

Jay · 11-14-2006, 08:41 AM

Your chart is giving you parts per million 125.3. If you divide that by 17.9 you will get degrees (GH KH). Twelve (12 dGH) is 214.8 parts per million (17.9x12).

GH can be raised by adding Calcium and Magnesium, which is how I do it. The easiest way for you would be a product called "Equilibrium" by Seachem.
Equilibrium will also supplement other trace minerals needed for good water quality.

-> http://www.gregwatson.com/SeachemFertilizers.asp

Jay

Cichlids4Ever · 11-14-2006, 02:21 PM

Thank you Jay.
I was reading that you can use epsom salts, but I am afraid of that because it can also raise the salt levels in the tank I am assuming?

Equilibrium...I will look into that.
I wonder what the difference is between Equilibrium and Lake Malawi Buffer??
Both made by seachem.
I will check it out.
Thanks for everything!

Jay · 11-14-2006, 02:59 PM

Epsom Salts is MgSO4.7H2O magnesium sulphate(chemists would call this a salt of magnesium, hence the name) and can be used in conjunction with CaSO4 calcium sulfate. I use an aprox. 3.5:1 Ca to Mg ratio. The salt you fear is NaCl sodium chloride.

Again the easier way for you is Seachem Equilibrium.

Jay

Cichlids4Ever · 11-14-2006, 04:07 PM

Thanks...
You are the best!