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How can I lower my KH?


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This is my tap parameters:

 

TDS- 100-120

GH- 0-1

PH- 6.8- 7.0 

KH- 4-5

 

I want to try keeping soft water shrimp, but I know my KH is too high. I use GH booster to raise it to 6 for my neos. That raises the TDS to about 200-220. 

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Kh is a little tricky to lower, the best way is to start out with 0kh with an Ro/Di unit. Tannins (from peat, IAL, Driftwood, ect...) will lower your kh albeit slowly, I wouldn't really consider this an efficient alternative due to the length of time needed and the amount it actually lowers.

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Probably not affordable or efficient but KH is called temporary hardness because the carbonate will react with CO2 and precipitate out.

 

RO/DI is the accepted method because it works and is affordable.  I get my RO/DI water from the Local Winco grocery.  I tank my two 5 gallon bottles each week a few times and refill them.  10 gallons of water is $3.  I probably spend more than that in gas.  Eventually I'll have my own RO/DI unit for home - but it's totally affordable from places like Winco or Walmart.  BTW:  I check the TDS of the water every time and it's never been over 10 TDS - usually about 3 or 4.    When I do have my own RO/DI unit the waste water will flow to catch basins outside for use on the garden. 

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I did not know I could find the RO at local stores. Thanks everyone. I will try this way. Should I just use all RO/DI water or mix my tap with the RO water? The tank is a 10 g.

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I finally got some DI water from Walmart a couple gallons. Since my water is pretty soft should I just mix both just to drop the KH to around 1? Also, for DI water do I need to add water conditioner?

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