Sudden Drop In Gh And Kh

Just did a full water test today.

Ammonia - 0 ppm
Nitrite - 0 ppm
Nitrate - 15 ppm
pH - 7.5
GH - 2 degrees (about 36 ppm)
KH - below 1 degree ( below 18 ppm)

The hardness is usually 8 and 6 for GH and KH respectively.

Tested the tap water and there has been a drop in GH and KH to 2 and 1.

My question has anyone noticed a sudden change in the hardness of their water supply and should I be taking measures to increase the hardness of the water?

 

Has the pH changed at all? I would definitely sling a bag of crushed coral or crushed oyster shells (there are other options besides these) to hold the pH steady in case it falls further.

Do you have livebearers?

CindiL

 

Seasonal changes are normal in many areas. here they are.

What you do depends on what fish you have. Amazon tetras in that? Breed them. Mexican livebearers? Harden it fast!

 

Yeh there are Endler's livebearers in there. The pH has always remained at 7.5 (same as tap).

 

I've noticed as weather changes, the GH and KH will change. The more rain and snow melt, the less GH and KH. Drought conditions, higher GH and KH. When we here in Kansas City hit flood stages, my KH can be 0 and GH 5, but when we have very little rain for months, my KH is at 3 and my GH can be as high as 13.

 

With endlers, I would harden the water.

 

It's been raining here quite heavily so that might be the answer. Is putting a bag of crushed coral in the filter the way to do it? Or using additives?

 

Crushed coral in the filter should be just fine. You will see a slight raise in your pH before you see a change in your KH and GH.

 

Yeh, I'm just conscious that I don't want the pH to raise too much

 

It may go up a point or two. Nothing major.

 

Hi, with endlers you will need more than just the crushed coral with your GH that low.

I'd purchase some Seachem Replenish to increase the GH and to add it in with water changes.

 

So I should add crushed coral to deal with the low KH? I can get it in 4mm, 6mm or 10mm gravel what would be best?
and add seachem replenish for the GH?

 

It doesn't matter the size, so whatever will work in a media bag unless you want to mix it into your substrate then whatever you think will look good.

Yeah Seachem Replenish only increases GH.

 

If I may add to that consideration, the smaller sizes will have more surface area exposed to the water so presumably it could dissolve faster if needed. Though being porous it may not matter so much.