clayswim
Well-known member
You probably know this by now after Nikki's link (Where does she come up with all of these? lol)
pH is safe in the 7.8 to 8.5 range, but should be closer to 8.2 to 8.4.
Calcium should be in the 400-450 range. Much higher and you risk affecting the alkalinity.
Alkalinity has two readings that are commonly used. One is meq/L, which should be somewhere between 2.8 and 4.0. The other is dKH, which should be 8 to 11.
At least get a reading of your alkalinity before adding anything; calcium helps too. Even though you don't have to test calcium regularly like Travis said, you still have to know where you're at when you start dosing. If your calcium is low compared to your alkalinity, then adding a balanced additive will only keep it that way. Both Salifert and Seachem make good calcium tests.
Just because you completely disregard the knowledge we've spent years learning, through hard work, sweat, blood, tears and sacrifice; that doesn't mean we won't stop giving you advice to ignore. lol. I'm just messing with you. It's your tank; if it makes sense to you go for it.
Clayton
pH is safe in the 7.8 to 8.5 range, but should be closer to 8.2 to 8.4.
Calcium should be in the 400-450 range. Much higher and you risk affecting the alkalinity.
Alkalinity has two readings that are commonly used. One is meq/L, which should be somewhere between 2.8 and 4.0. The other is dKH, which should be 8 to 11.
At least get a reading of your alkalinity before adding anything; calcium helps too. Even though you don't have to test calcium regularly like Travis said, you still have to know where you're at when you start dosing. If your calcium is low compared to your alkalinity, then adding a balanced additive will only keep it that way. Both Salifert and Seachem make good calcium tests.
Just because you completely disregard the knowledge we've spent years learning, through hard work, sweat, blood, tears and sacrifice; that doesn't mean we won't stop giving you advice to ignore. lol. I'm just messing with you. It's your tank; if it makes sense to you go for it.
Clayton