Those who live in San Franciso, what KH and GH have you measured out of the tap? I did a quick KH test using the Tetra test kit and I believe the KH I got is somewhere between 1.5-2 degrees. Is that what you are getting also?
I am setting up a CO2 injected planted tank for the first time and I need some feedback on what others using SF tap water are doing to achieve a good chemical balance for plants and fish.
Try emailing sfbaaps for the "Dixon, Steven T. Aquatic Plant Nutrition for SF Tap Water" article. Sounds about right. Membership might still be free, and you could get a ton of info off there email list.
Just a note here. Tap water pH should be tested after it has rested for a minimum of 12 hours and 24 hours is much better.
Also note that if you look at the pH/CO2/kH chart and find the 2 ppm range that's in the normal range of CO2 concentration in water. So if you have a pH of 9 and a kH of 2-3 you know that the water company is adding something to the water to raise the kH.
Hey, someone from around my area! Im from San Carlos. Maybe we can arrange for some plant trades or something. I have a bit of rotala wallachi that needs a haircut.... Rather give it to somebody than throw it away!
Sounds great to me, but unfortunately I don't have much to trade with. Maybe some Rotala indica or Contortion vals, but that is about it. Somewhat of a newbie here. Either way, PM me and possibly we can set something up.
Thanks for the input. The tank is now regulated with CO2 injection at 6.8 and my KH is around 1.5-2 degrees. Per the table, that puts my CO2 at aound 7-10ppm. It looks like I have to decrease the pH to around 6.6 to achieve a CO2 level at the minimum recommended 15ppm.
If I regulate the pH to 6.6 over the next few days to get more CO2, will this adversely affect my fish too much? I am used to keeping the tank at around 7.2 without injection.
Regarding plants, I am in SF and I have some large Anubia that I can trade. I have had the Anubia for the last 6 years before starting a high watt planted tank and they have grown from a few small rizome clippings to foot tall plants.
I need some fast growing green and red plants now that I started the injection before I get too much algea buildup.
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Related Threads
?
?
?
?
?
The Planted Tank Forum
3.5M posts
130.7K members
Since 2002
A forum community dedicated to Aquatic tank owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about flora, fauna, health, housing, filters, care, classifieds, and more!