How to safely raise KH levels

Hi,

In the shrimp tank that I am starting, the KH is practically nothing because I use R/O water mixed with tap for a more desirable pH (6.8 instead of 8.0) as I am getting CRS. Since it is so low, the pH constantly spikes and falls (7.4 to below 6.0), but thankfully the shrimp are not in yet. On Sunday, I added a DIY co2 system to the tank for the plants I had just purchased, which has totally messed up the pH as it is now well below 6.0. Could I use calcium carbonate or sodium bicarbonate to help raise the KH or should I use something else?

Thanks,

 

If it were me, id get the tank cycled then see where the readings stand...especially the ph...its all over the board during the cycle process

 

I agree with Shawnee. A cycling or unstable tank will naturally have pH running from one extreme to the other.

As far as a product to return the lost minerals, Seachem Equilibrium RO Water Conditioner
for Freshwater Planted Aquariums, or something similar is what you will need.

 

Hi, thanks for the responses!

I am currently using equilibrium to add minerals to the water, and I should have stated this before, but the tank is cycled and I am just waiting for after I go on vacation to get the shrimp.

 

Should I add more tap water to raise it?

 

If you are looking to save money, I have numerous recipe's that I have tried and tested, all of which work fine that I can give you. Just pm me if you would like them

Otherwise I would pre-filter the RO water for a day with crushed coral.

 

Equilibrium works great for TDS (total disolved solids) and Gh and Kh. Use more or less tap water to adjust your Ph up or down. Do the equilibrium first and check the Ph.