One teaspon of baking soda per 12 gallons should raise KH by about 4 degrees
KH. Remember that manipulating KH has an affect on PH. If you are going to
monitor PH to control CO2 levels, getting an undestanding of this is
critical.

You have a lot of light on in your tank without CO2. You should have CO2
running with that much light, and while you do not, I recommend reducing
light levels, say to 1 watt per gallon or so. Otherwise, you will really
have endless trouble. Many plants will do fine at the reduced lighting
level, especially if it is only temporary.

Basically, you control algae by making conditions for higher plants highly
favorable for growth. This means you need to systematically ensure all the
major components are in place to make your plants grow. Proper nutrients,
including CO2 and lighting, are critical. When you are missing any major
component, you will find higher plants can suffer and as a result, algae, of
one kind or another, will thrive.

I suggest you take a look at Chuck Gadds web site. Read his articles on
starting up a new tank, and on plant nutrients. His site is located at URL
http://www.csd.net/~cgadd/aqua/. Also see the Krib at
http://www.thekrib.com/. There is also information about controlling CO2
based on knowledge of PH and KH at Chuck's web site also. Chuck even has a
free windows based nutrient calculator available. Take a look..


Bruce Geist

http://www.wideopenwest.com/~brucegeist


"Rico" wrote in message
...
I'm in the process of migrating from artifial to live plants. My set
up is a 55gal tank, Eheim Professional II Canister filter, Coral Life
compact flourescent light 230 watts. My chemistry is
Ph 7.0
dKH 4
dGH 10
Nitrites 0
Amonia 0
Nitrates 80

For the first two weeks my KH was only 1 or 2. I've always used R/O
water but this I decided to mix some tap with R/O to raise it. The KH
rose to 4 but I think I stressed the fish to much with the water
changes because many of them developed ick. At that point, I began
treatment with meds and bought a heater to raise the temp 85. Shortly
thereafter, i began to notice brown algae on plants.

I have a few questions.

If I stick to R/O water, what can I use to raise it's KH to 3-4?

What is a normal water temp fluctuation? Should I keep the heater on
so the water temp does not drop during the night?

What can I use to eliminate the algae?

BTW, while I'm waiting on the CO2 injection system, I'm using the
jungle fizz from a friend.

Thanks

Jerry

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