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Yesterday i did a weekly water change and the "buffer capacity/ alkalinity" read a low afterwards. How do I raise this, or will it naturally raise back up? Everything else tested good. Is this a big deal? thanks

Like so many other things, this isn't quite a simple question to answer.

Buffer capactity KH is the content of Carhbonate(CO3 2+) ions in the water, which is usually Calcium Carbonate. Low levels of KH can lead to a pH crash.

Depending on your gravel and other rockwork in the tank, you may find that it raises itself. So called Calcerous rock will increase the KH.

If you want to artificially add a buffer, you can use Sodium BiCarbonate (baking soda) - just make sure it's not Baking Powder, as that's got a few other minerals in it, and may not work quite as well. Or you can buy something at your LFS that is a "buffer" (either a powder or solution). [If you add a powder, make sure you mix it with water FIRST, then pour the solution slowly into the tank, rather than just dropping the powder into the tank].

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Mats

One remark still -

All the stuff Mats mentioned have as tendency to increase pH levels. Therefore:

first make the solutiopn Mats mentioned
than measure the pH (a sodium carboate solution can easily be pH 10 or more)
if the pH is more than 1 higher than the tank, add acid untill the pH suits your tank
than add the solution.

The added acid is best peat or oak leaf extract, because strong acids such as HCl are too dangerous to be kept in any house (and I don't even have children....)

Adding acid does not reduce the KH, of buffer capacity

WOGGIES, have a read of this article. It may help you.


What are the exact alkalinity values and pH of your tank and tapwater?


This should give us a better picture of what is giong on.