Lost my Clowns :(

[chefkeith]

So whats the best way to lower the pH and hardness for alkaline water? Mixing R/O and tap for water changes? What about the water softner pillows designed for Filstar canisters?

Mixing RO/tap before adding it to the tank is a solution most people use. The change in the aquarium needs to be done slowly though.

The other idea is not a good one if you ever do water changes.

[Pilze]

What test should I get to monitor the results and what am I aiming for? The species entry says max 12dH, but what is there a preferred range?

[chefkeith]

kH, gH, and TDS.

12 degrees of hardness is 17.9 x 12 = 215 ppm

I'd say the range is anywhere from 80 - 200 ppm.
Most important thing is consistency, not the range. So if you choose 100 ppm, then keep it around 100 ppm.

Adjusting the kH, will adjust the pH to where you want it.
There is good literature out in google about the kH/Co2/pH relationship. You might want to read up on that if you don't know much about it.

[chefkeith]

luvmyloaches- Since you're in Michigan, maybe you use Detroit City water. If so, I have a copy of the most recent water report posted at-

http://www.geocities.com/chefkeithallen ... rt2007.htm

It could be helpful.
I imagine that most cities that use the great lakes as a water source will have similiar water quality also.

[luvmyloaches]

Checked my tap and it is at 7.5.

Tank is at 8.0, so not a big difference which makes me feel much better.

My third little clown is doing very well


Thank you all, and especially Keith for all the support!!

[chefkeith]

pH isn't telling. The total hardness is what matters more.

Water from the tap is usually high in CO2. That lowers the pH. The colder the tap water is, the more CO2 it will have, and the lower the pH will be.

For us Great Lakes folks, during the Winter, the tap water will have a lower pH, but the hardness will be about the same thoughout the year.

[luvmyloaches]

Not sure if it matters but I did let the tap sit for 24 hours before testing.

Also I always add Prime when doing water changes.

I just know they have been happy little clowns......until I stirred up the tank too much.

Like you said, live and learn. I did....the hard way!!

Thanks again