On Sun, 4 May 2003 20:04:13 -0500, "Jody"

James, a little off-topic from the plants, but if your water is that soft
you ought be keeping apistos as they love soft water and might spawn for
you. They are great fish for planted tanks. Can you tell I'm jealous?
Also, be careful adding CO2 with soft water, because with no buffering
capacity your pH might crash. Sorry if I'm telling you things you already
know.

Jody


My GH and KH are either not measurable or 1 degree. I have started
keeping several cups of crushed oyster shells in each tank. I do have
the tank I am putting CO2 in buffered to a KH of 6 to 8 which gives me
optimum CO2 levels near neutral water.

When the oyster shells are not enough, I add Epsom salts (MgSO4) and
baking soda (NaHCO3). I have found that the Epsom salts are very
effective at raising GH, but I also keep calcite and dolomite handy to
balance out the picture.

I have to keep the hardness up for the snails too. Found that out the
hard way. I miss my giant apple snail ........... I let his shell get
to weak in my soft water and the Oscars eventually go to him. It is
amazing how soft water will leach calcium from any source it can.

I do think it is better to have to add it than take it out. Plus it
makes the shower so much nicer :-{) he he he he.




Take the stick in the eye out to reply.