ojdewet
08-11-2008, 02:54 AM
I have very high pH tap water with low KH (pH 8.4 and KH 6 degrees) and want to lower the pH using peat moss. I currently have a water filter with the following on my tap: 0.3 micron filter, ion exchange, activated carbon and ultraviolet light (but not reverse osmosis). The readings above is from the filtered water.
In my mind I see two scenario's and would appreciate some advice on which one is the better option.
Scenario 1
I have a 15 gallon tank with a heater and airstone that I use to get my water change water to the right temperature (run the tap water for 3-4 days in this tank before doing a water change). I can add a canister filter filled with peat moss granules to this tank and cycle my water change water through the peat moss for 3-4 days.
Scenario 2
I can add an additional canister filter to my main 60 gallon tank filled with peat moss granules and possibly some additional filter media.
I am not sure which scenario would be best. For the first one the short period might not be sufficient to lower the pH significantly. For the second one I might over time find that the pH in my main tank drops too low which could even lead to a pH crash over time given the relatively low KH and buffering capacity (even though I think the drop should be regulated by adding higher pH water through my water change?)
Any advice would be greatly appreciated. My longer term plan is to invest in reverse osmosis filter but that is just not an option at this exact moment.
Regards
OJ
In my mind I see two scenario's and would appreciate some advice on which one is the better option.
Scenario 1
I have a 15 gallon tank with a heater and airstone that I use to get my water change water to the right temperature (run the tap water for 3-4 days in this tank before doing a water change). I can add a canister filter filled with peat moss granules to this tank and cycle my water change water through the peat moss for 3-4 days.
Scenario 2
I can add an additional canister filter to my main 60 gallon tank filled with peat moss granules and possibly some additional filter media.
I am not sure which scenario would be best. For the first one the short period might not be sufficient to lower the pH significantly. For the second one I might over time find that the pH in my main tank drops too low which could even lead to a pH crash over time given the relatively low KH and buffering capacity (even though I think the drop should be regulated by adding higher pH water through my water change?)
Any advice would be greatly appreciated. My longer term plan is to invest in reverse osmosis filter but that is just not an option at this exact moment.
Regards
OJ