Hello,

I have a question about water parameters and the best way to control them.
First I want to let you know a little about my water parameters and tank. My
PH out of the tap with a 24 hour sit time is: 8.6, in addition, the water is
very hard, if I remember, the KH was 107.4 ppm and the GH was more that 300
ppm. I have a 46 gallon, semi heavily planted tank with angels, cardinal
tetras, clown loaches, rummy nose tetras and a German blue ram. To fix my
water parameters I purchased a "tap water filter" from aquarium
pharmaceuticals. I have been using that for the last two years. Don't get
me wrong, it works great, but I only get about 45 gallons per refill. I am
just getting tired of purchasing replacement filters every month. I just
purchased a new light, to help my plants out (a Coralife, 192 watt, 6700,
compact fluorescent). I added some DIY C02 to help, but it doesn't seem to
be able to keep up with that high light. My plants seem to be smothered with
algae.



After reading as many posts possible, regarding water parameters and C02, I
have come to the conclusion that I am wasting my time filtering my tap
water. If I am correct in my assumptions, I should toss the "tap water
filter" and purchase a good C02 tank system and let that do the work for me.
Does that sound correct? I wouldn't mind spending $200-$400 bucks on a good
system if I didn't have to spend up to 300 bucks a year on tap water filter
replacements and dealing with the DIY C02.



If I left anything out, I am sorry, let me know and I will try to fill in
the blanks...



Thanks for your help!!!



James