Buffering KH

[serbusfish]

The KH coming out of my tap is 4dkh. I'm currently cycling my tank and found it dropped to 1dkh in the space of 2 weeks... will I need to buffer it when im ready to add fish? My PH is 7, GH 8.

[Slaphppy7]

@Rocksor should be able to help

[Rocksor]

Yes you will need to buffer the KH and increase it to 6 degrees or do a water change during the cycle process.

[angelcraze2]

If you do enough water changes, the kh will be replenished. Usually when cycling with fish, enough water changes are required that it is kept recharged. But kh is consumed with the nitrogen cycle. If you raise it to 6, you will have a larger buffering window between water changes. If you are cycling without fish, you could simply add a buffer.

Having said that, my tap kh is 2, but I do enough WCs that it stays at 2. I also have mild buffers like soil that brings it up to about 4. . A kh of 4 is considered a good value to go for. To increase kh, I used to keep crushed coral (wrapped in pantyhose) in the filter. Results are not as immediate as other methods, but I like the consistency. I didn't have to use very much at all, like a 1 tsp per 30 gallons was enough for me. So start low and adjust as needed. The coral very slowly dissolves, so I didn't have to replenish it for a year or so. Another method to increase kh is baking soda, but I don't know the dosage. Probably the best bet for you without fish.

[CarpCharacin]

Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) will raise the KH, my advice would be to just add a little at a time until it was raise dot where you want it to be.