KH??

[archer772]

I know this is a FW question but I hope you might be able to help me out with this. I am able to keep my PH around 6.8 and thats where I like it and would like my KH around 4 but it is staying around 1.3 and I am concerned about PH swings as I have had a couple that I am aware of. I was wondering how I could raise my KH without affecting my PH so any ideas???

[BeakerBob]

Scott,
There are several ways to do this, but the safest is probably using baking soda. This will lower the pH only slightly.

If you don't want the pH swing to go down, then use baking soda that has been heated up in the oven (drives off CO2 and water). Using this will cause a small increase in the pH.

I suggest looking at your FW livestock to see what they can tolerate better, a more acidic or a more basic temporary environment. After the addition of the baking soda, the water will buffer back and stabilize the pH.

Another option is to use acid (HCl) or base (NaOH). I don't recommend trying this unless you have experience in using these chemicals. You can easily overpower the buffering action and cause the tank to be either acidic or basic that would be toxic to the livestock.

[archer772]

I want to keep the PH 6.6-6.8 if possible with a KH of about 4 because I believe that would help to stabilize the PH and help prevent the swings and the live stock would be better off with a nice stable PH in the range I am trying to keep. I guess I was thinking that baking soda would raise the PH but if not I will give that a try and I can handle a slight drop in PH for a short period. Thanks Bob