Alkalinity

[sassymomma]

Is it important to monitor the total alkalinity of your tank? I saw on the post for the newbies guid that ph is not really something that you need to worry about. If alkalinity is low how do you raise it? Or do I just leave it alone?

 

[Lotus]

Alkalinity will affect your tank's ability to keep a stable pH. It really depends on how low it is, whether it needs to be changed.

If the alkalinity is less than about 2dKH, it may be a problem.

If you're adding supplemental CO2 to the tank, then it can be a bigger problem.

 

[sassymomma]

It's testing at 40 and I'm not adding anything to the tank at this time.

 

[Lotus]

It shouldn't be a problem. 40 ppm is about 2.3 dKH, although, if you're using a test strip, they're not terribly accurate.

I know the information on some of the test kits lead you to believe that it needs to be at some "perfect" level, but often that's just the company trying to market some of its other products.

 

[sassymomma]

Thank you for your help.