Aqua Chemistry 101

[Mr Pleco]

Need to know where I can read good articles( not product slanted) on water conditions in a closed environment for tropical fish..

Wanting to know relationships between KH,GH and PH and what effects does one have on the other... Also I need to know if bio filtration is reduced as the water becomes more acidic at what point does the low PH start inhibiting bio filtration from bacteria?

I’m not looking to write my thesis just a good article or book written in plain English..

Here's why according to my recent water tests

Tap water GH 180, KH 120, PH 7.5, NO20, NO3 20ppm

Tank #1 GH 180, KH 0, PH 6.0,NO2 0, NO3 160 ppm

Tank # 2 GH 180, KH 40, PH 6.5 , NO2 0, NO3 80 ppm

I'll take water samples to my LFS tonight to confirm my test kit accuracy.

Thanks for your help.......

 

[Mr Pleco]

OK people should start coming home from work now, maybe I'll receive some input or I'm in the wrong forum..... based upon what I read so far as long as my tanks are stable and the fish acclimated my PH in tank #1 is a little on the low side, most importantly with the KH so low , my buffering capabilities in this tank is limited? So KH must be increased slowly in order to prevent large PH fluctuations........I'm going to add some crushed coral in a bag in one of the canisters this should influence the tank slowly?

So far so good right??? anything else I'm missing.... Also with the PH being so different in my tap versus both my tanks. When making water changes what percentages should I make....25% ? larger ? smaller? right now it has been 25% twice a week...Wednesdays and Saturdays....I'm really surprised I haven't taken an NO3 bashing yet..........

 

[Mr Pleco]

I guess no comments, suggestions, Mods close thread........

 

[Dr Joe]

Ok was going to answer but you must have found it for yourself so I'll close it for you.

Dr Joe

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