[livingword26]

Hello. I've had several high tech tanks, but this is my first attempt at a low tech one. I am currently in my 4th day of a fishless cycle, and my hardness especially my kh is going to low. I am using Fluval Shrimp and Plant Strattum, and a bit of small gravel for color. Plus lots of driftwood. The malaysian is older and has been in tanks before, but the mopani is new. All have been lightly boiled, and soaked for 1 1/2 weeks prior to tank setup. Yesterday my kh dropped to 0, so I put a 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda to bring it back up. I don't know if I should keep doing this, and hope it levels out, or if I am going to need a more long term solution.

Finnex stingray led 4 inches above tank.

Tap Water
KH 6
GH 8
Ph 7.5

Tank Today
KH 1
GH 3
Ph 6.4

Ammonia 2.0
Nitrite 0
Nitrate .5

 

[Nordic]

That is because the Stratum is buffering the water to the acidic side....

Says right on the bag; promotes neutral to mildly acidic pH.

 

[livingword26]

Yea, I expected some buffering, but I can't let my Kh stay at 0 can I?

 

[livingword26]

Moderators, you may delete this thread. Thank you.