ok my nitrate is between 0 ppm- 20ppm the nitrite is 0 ppm the total hardness is 300 ppm the total alkalinity is between 0ppm-40 ppm and my ph is between 6.8 -7.2 ppm so i need to raise the Alkalinity and sofen the total hardness and here is where you guy's & gals comein tell me how to fixum up! what products to use ect... thanks cory Lomon
Why do you need to change anything? Any special fish? I always say, "acclimate your fish to your water, don't change your water to accomodate your fish." Unless you are keeping some south american cichlids, discus, etc., your water should be fine for any bread n butter fish, even better for plants.
I agree with Heather. Freshwater is much different than saltwater. The fish are much more tolerant to water changes in both chemistry and temp. Find out what the requirements are for any sensitive fish like discus or kilis which require water treated with peat or blackwater tonic. ( don't blast me, thats just a very general explaniation) to african cichlids who do great with a crushed coral substrate. In general for community tanks just acclimate them well and they should be good to go in your regular water.
test GH from your tap and get back to me. change your carbon. if your tap has a lower GH do water changes. Ph looks fine if you want tropical fish.
I don't think that the RO/DI is supposed to be used for freshwater. The RO/DI strips the water of about everything and some of it is essential to your fresh water fish. Are you adding a suppliment to make up for it?
test strips are known to be off. It sounds like you jest need to add some real drift wood. it will soften your water and provide cellulose for your algae eater and a good place to grow plants.
