Increasing kh levels: what are the best methods

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timewarp
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Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 8:19 pm

Increasing kh levels: what are the best methods

Post by timewarp »

I recently set up a Malawi Cichlid tank and opted for Seachem's Malawi Victoria Buffer and Cichlid Lake salt. The issue I'm facing is that my KH is only at 90ppm, while my GH is 160ppm. I've incorporated crushed corflame sand into the substrate and added some Texas Holy rock to try and boost the KH, but it's still not where I want it to be. I'm wondering if adding more Malawi Victoria Buffer would help increase the KH - my pH is currently around 8. The problem is, the tap water in my area is extremely soft, and when I test it, the KH is so low that a single drop of the indicator turns it yellow.
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goldfinch
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Joined: Sun Jan 23, 2022 9:19 pm

Re: Increasing kh levels: what are the best methods

Post by goldfinch »

I've come across crushed coflake as an option, though personally I've never given it a shot.
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duskite
Posts: 37
Joined: Thu Mar 16, 2023 8:52 am

Re: Increasing kh levels: what are the best methods

Post by duskite »

I'd recommend trying Kalkwasser. It's commonly used in saltwater tanks to boost pH, alkalinity, and calcium levels. Just be sure to add it gradually to avoid shocking the system.
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latelin
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Joined: Sun May 29, 2022 4:43 am

Re: Increasing kh levels: what are the best methods

Post by latelin »

Isn't it funny how people with hard water are always trying to soften it, while those of us with soft water are trying to harden it. I'm a bit envious of your situation, to be honest.
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