African cichlid Ph question my tap is 8.0-9.0

[CichlidZ67]

If my local Charlotte tap is processed with limestone and the ph is 8.0 -9.0 according to the city, do I need to use a buffering substrate or will Nat Geo black sand work? I tested the water and it was 8.8

 

[twentyleagues]

If my local Charlotte tap is processed with limestone and the ph is 8.0 -9.0 according to the city, do I need to use a buffering substrate or will Nat Geo black sand work? I tested the water and it was 8.8

That's a good ph, but what is the buffering capacity or kh and gh? Probably high with the limestone but you should check. Are you filtering it anyway before adding it to the tank?

 

[CichlidZ67]

That's a good ph, but what is the buffering capacity or kh and gh? Probably high with the limestone but you should check. Are you filtering it anyway before adding it to the tank?

I don't know what kh and gh are? I know I have hard water. I just planned on using seachem in 5 gallon buckets.

 

[Hendre]

Carbonate hardness (Kh) buffers the PH of the water, General hardness (Gh) is dissolved minerals

 

[twentyleagues]

Kh is the waters ability to keep the ph stable under extreme circumstances, like our tanks. Gh is minerals in the water both help control ph. If you have a high ph but a low kh value when you start adding organic waste your ph will crash. If your kh is higher then the ph will remain stable longer.

 

[CichlidZ67]

Kh is the waters ability to keep the ph stable under extreme circumstances, like our tanks. Gh is minerals in the water both help control ph. If you have a high ph but a low kh value when you start adding organic waste your ph will crash. If your kh is higher then the ph will remain stable longer.

Thanks I'll get a test kit.

 

[twentyleagues]

I think normal is around 8-10dkh. Mine is around 14dkh and my ph is pretty stabile 7.6ish even with lots of driftwood and plants. I used pfs so no help there on kh either.