my take on setting RO
GH
The grind on the minerals is finer with the GLA product so it seems to mix better for me.
I've used three 'ready blends' and GLA gets my repeat orders.
KH
CaCO3 doesn't mix very well in my experience using it. I use baking soda because it has great solubility, low cost, availability and consistent results. No issues with it precipitating out of solution either. The sodium content of baking soda isn't a high enough concentration at the level I dose to effect flora or fauna. Dosed at water changes to test out as 2dKH is enough to maintain stable PH values in the 7.0 - 7.4 range without CO2 and enough to prevent a pH crash using gas. I've only once seen tested values drop after setting parameters and that was after long term neglect on a trimmings tank.
To increase KH (using leveled teaspoons)
1/8 TSP : 6.6 gallons = 1dKH
1/4 TSP : 13.2 gallons = 1dKH
1/2 TSP : 26.4 gallons = 1dKH
I keep softwater parameters in the 3-5dGH range and always mix for 2dKH.
TDS stays in the lower range and I like the results.
Potassium carbonate or calcium based are our 2 best choices looking for a buffer. BS is the cheapest, has great solubility and is readily available.
In the past I have added limestone (Texas holy rock) to my hardscape and didn't like how much my water increased in buffer over a weeks time (Rising everyday). Crushed coral would do the same thing so does cuttlebone. With the BS I mix to a desired value and there it remains.
I prefer static changes I can control so I've stayed with the BS for KH.
GH
The grind on the minerals is finer with the GLA product so it seems to mix better for me.
I've used three 'ready blends' and GLA gets my repeat orders.
KH
CaCO3 doesn't mix very well in my experience using it. I use baking soda because it has great solubility, low cost, availability and consistent results. No issues with it precipitating out of solution either. The sodium content of baking soda isn't a high enough concentration at the level I dose to effect flora or fauna. Dosed at water changes to test out as 2dKH is enough to maintain stable PH values in the 7.0 - 7.4 range without CO2 and enough to prevent a pH crash using gas. I've only once seen tested values drop after setting parameters and that was after long term neglect on a trimmings tank.
To increase KH (using leveled teaspoons)
1/8 TSP : 6.6 gallons = 1dKH
1/4 TSP : 13.2 gallons = 1dKH
1/2 TSP : 26.4 gallons = 1dKH
I keep softwater parameters in the 3-5dGH range and always mix for 2dKH.
TDS stays in the lower range and I like the results.
Potassium carbonate or calcium based are our 2 best choices looking for a buffer. BS is the cheapest, has great solubility and is readily available.
In the past I have added limestone (Texas holy rock) to my hardscape and didn't like how much my water increased in buffer over a weeks time (Rising everyday). Crushed coral would do the same thing so does cuttlebone. With the BS I mix to a desired value and there it remains.
I prefer static changes I can control so I've stayed with the BS for KH.
