pH buffering

[wsdiscus]

I have discus and pH is about 6.8-7 from tap but can drop below 6 with aging
i am using crushed coral in tank for buffering but it doesn't seem to effect it too much
any suggestions? I don't really like having to buffer the water but other than very frequent water changes I don't really have a choice
Thanks!

[bluelagoon]

Nothing wrong with a ph of 5-6 for discus.Some folks would like to have that soft water.WC's frequently and good volume is all that you need.

[wsdiscus]

good to know....i did have it fall dangerously low one time below 4 but it seems to now stay around 6.5 ....you have to worry about swings in the pH ...they can adjust i think but wide swings are not good thus i don't wont to mess with it too much

[rickztahone]

I have discus and pH is about 6.8-7 from tap but can drop below 6 with aging
i am using crushed coral in tank for buffering but it doesn't seem to effect it too much
any suggestions? I don't really like having to buffer the water but other than very frequent water changes I don't really have a choice
Thanks!

definitely no need for the crushed coral. I would age the water before WC and do changes with that. Consistency is the key here.

[Second Hand Pat]

Morgan, what's your KH both in tap and in tank?
Pat

[wsdiscus]

I have no idea....What test kit is available to test the KH?

[RogueDiscus]

Hagan and API both make test kits

If I recall correctly, the Hagan kit is paired with GH. Gives you a chance to test your total hardness GH, and then figure out how much of that is KH.

[Second Hand Pat]

The API GH/KH will test both and is fairly cheap.
Pat

[wsdiscus]

Thanks Pat, i have ordered that and will let you know the results

[wsdiscus]

definitely no need for the crushed coral. I would age the water before WC and do changes with that. Consistency is the key here.

What would aging the water accomplish? stability in pH? the pH seems to drop with age. What container would i use (I have 75 gallon tan)
I am not sure how practical that is for me because the container would have to be outside and the temps drop in the winter.

[bluelagoon]

Yes,the water will be much more stable and would have dropped during ageing and not in your tank.7 ph to 6 over night and that is a big drop in that length of time.Your water supplier "might" be using something like sodium hydroxide to temporarily increase the ph in the acidic water so it won't corrode metal pipes.Plus it allows for gas exchange and gets rid of the carbon dioxide in the water which also increases ph.Plus if your water supplier is using chlorine;ageing will also get rid of that.How often and how big a volume do you plan on changing your water?

[wsdiscus]

Morgan, what's your KH both in tap and in tank?
Pat

Hi Pat,

My KH and GH test is reactive with only 2 drops of the API solution (2dKH,35.8 ppm GH/KH)
this is from the tank after a 60% water change
my pH is 6.4 and temp is 85

[wsdiscus]

Yes,the water will be much more stable and would have dropped during ageing and not in your tank.7 ph to 6 over night and that is a big drop in that length of time.Your water supplier "might" be using something like sodium hydroxide to temporarily increase the ph in the acidic water so it won't corrode metal pipes.Plus it allows for gas exchange and gets rid of the carbon dioxide in the water which also increases ph.Plus if your water supplier is using chlorine;ageing will also get rid of that.How often and how big a volume do you plan on changing your water?

I have a 75 g so i would be changing 30-40 gallons about every 3 days
the city has told me the only thing they use is chlorine but you never know
i could put some kind of container outside in my courtyard but how to heat the water in that?

[bluelagoon]

Your water seems low in bicarbonate hardness and will not hold up to heavy feeding over a few days due to ion exchange,thus drops quickly.Every day or every other WC's would be better.If your climate is warm enough,the barrel can go out side.

[Second Hand Pat]

Hi Pat,

My KH and GH test is reactive with only 2 drops of the API solution (2dKH,35.8 ppm GH/KH)
this is from the tank after a 60% water change
my pH is 6.4 and temp is 85

Hi Morgan, that is pretty low. You might consider adding a handfull of crushed coral to help maintain your KH.
Pat