KH / GH levels

[Dmaaaaax]

I used to test my pH with the regular liquid test kits, but found them to be unreliable in that different manufacturers would give me two different results. I now use a Pinpoint monitor that gives me an accurate reading at all times. Then by testing the KH, I can know how much dissolved carbon is in the water through a chart posted on the following website (and other places).

You don't trust the pH test kit, but you rely on the chart to determine your CO2 ppm? I have found that chart to be way off even when I have 0 phosphates. According to the chart my tank should have about 30ppm CO2, but with a CO2 test kit I get ~10ppm.

Do you mind me asking how much your pH fluctuates first thing in the morning to right before your lights go off?

[Jay]

Hey Dmaaaaax...Welcome to the forum.


I agree with you the KH/GH chart for CO2 only works in theory as there can be lots of buffers other than Carbonates.

The best way available to the hobby to monitor CO2 is a "drop checker". The first time I used one I was astonished at how much more CO2 I needed to reach a level I wanted to work with. I was also surprised to see that it did not gas-off as quickly as I thought during lights off and no injection.

Aside from the normal daytime/night time fluctuations in pH my planted tanks fluctuate a full point 7.2 - 6.2 and back. I start CO2 injection an hour before lights on and stop 1 hour before lights off.