Originally Posted by
Red Cover Discus
Thanks for the response, SNap0283. Before each water change, the water sits in the barrel for a few days (1-5+) depending on the time of my water change. I will usually run my RO during the weekdays and do the water change on the weekends. As for heating, I don't have a heater in the barrel and instead depend on the boiling water pots I mix in right before a water change. Both added energy consumption and the upfront cost of a new heater (or two) keep me getting them. For reference, my stand is an old bedroom nightstand that was free, I can't easily afford another $50. I am also now circulating the water for 24 hours with my 800 l/h pump in addition to my tiny 3W pump at the water's surface (for surface agitation) which runs 24/7. I have a question though, how should I accuratley test the pH? On the Tetra Test Strips bottle, it says, "Note: buffering capacity should be at least 120 ppm for accurate pH reading". If my RO is working, then it should be under 10 ppm. Anyways, thank you for your help.