So, I am still adding the baking soda until the coral really kicks in enough to go without it. With the baking soda, my KH went from 35.8 (out of tap) to 71.6 in the tank. I am still adding the same amount of baking soda every day at wcs. I checked the KH last nite and it has gone up to 89.5!!! So, the coral must be kicking in a little now! The ph last night was 7.6.
Here is my question: Should I maybe use a little less baking soda today when I do my wc? Right now, I am adding two- 1/4tsps. Should I add just one -1/4tsp today and see how it goes? I don't want a really big drop in ph as I know this is not safe for the fish, but I don't want to over do it since the coral is starting to kick in. Any suggestions?

Yaayyy!! The coral is working!!

I'm not a big water expert - by any stretch of the imagination - but if it were me, I think I would keep putting it in for a few more days, anyway. You're almost at 90, so you can still go higher. That way, when you stop adding the baking soda - the coral will have the KH high/stable enough that you probably shouldn't have to worry about a drop in pH without baking soda.

Just my opinion.


Debbie

Thanks, Deb! I wonder how high it TOO high for KH to be? I know that you are supposed to have it at 100/higher, but most ppl have it higher than that. What is your KH at?

To be honest, I ran out of testers the day Dot went into the tank - but it was at the top of the chart. 240, according to my notes. It's between 180 - 240 from the tap though. I think it's a little higher than average, so you don't need it that high.
100 or so is good, I think. You might want to check out Koko's pinned KH thread - she may have more info in that. I've read it a few times, but I couldn't quote any numbers for you. (Old age - short term memory! )

Keep us posted though! I'm glad the coral is working so quickly!

Deb

Edit: for this link to Koko's thread.

Thanks again, Hon!!!
According to this link, KoKo says that KH at the 300 mark could hurt your fish's gills. So, I guess as I have a while before it gets dangerous. I would like to get mine at about 150-180.

Arm & Hammer affects the pH tremendously but not the KH that much. I would keep on adding the A & H to maintain your desired pH level without worrying about raising he KH level.