Mmiller2001

That's above my pea brain 😁

I use CSMB and 11% DPTA Fe. They have a combo product too. But what's important to know about CSMB is that it's EDTA chelated and only effective at pH below 6.8.

Yes.

I'm not familiar with any process with ozone and CO2. I chose potassium carbonate as the potassium component complements a planted tank. I personally run 0dKH in my CO2 tanks as most plants excel in low pH low KH environments. When I swap the 75 over, I'm going to run about 1dKH because Crypts do enjoy a bit of KH. I do run 2dKH in the shrimp tank for obvious reasons.

I'm using Eco Complete currently and switching to sand or river pebbles would look nice. I prefer sand look wise, but I have to convince my wife to do it! I would like to. It would need to be select pieces though.

I don't use any hardscape anymore but I'm going back to it in one of the tanks. One tank has Aqua soil the other tank is inert and I have neocardina, just the cherry shrimp.

Thank you. The Myrio I ruined, the left back corner plant, is almost grown out in the 75. I will remove it and drop it back in this tank for a "could have been picture". I'll also explain what happened in the last week before the deadline that lead up to the disaster.

I have fully planted tanks and fish. I also have a planted shrimp/QT tank.

It's easy to calculate and easy to get. You can certainly use the others as long as you hit the correct ratios. Potassium carbonate isn't without its problems, but for the most part, K is easy to adjust.

I will not be entering the AGA. Just tried to finalize the tank for pictures and ruined it. Also, some algae popped up and I refuse to enter on that principle alone. I want to thank gjcarew for all the help, getting this far was not possible without you. I sincerely thank you. I took a shot during maintenance last week and this is the best picture I can offer that represented the design. Thank you all who followed and supported me. This journey was tough and it sucks I can't enter. I was going to title this "The Hand of Carew". Unfortunately, my hand ruined it 😁.

No. The pH of the tank is irrelevant if the water parameters are set to accommodate the live stock. Pick any fish or shrimp. When you do your research and let's say that fish likes 10dGH and 4dKH; if you set the GH and KH to 10 and 4, then the pH is going to be where that fish likes. PH is irrelevant, GH and KH are relevant. Using any booster (Equilibrium or the like) adds K. So if you use potassium carbonate (to raise KH), even more K.

That's one they sell. Because pH is just a result of water parameters. Parameters are what's important.

GlasGarten Mineral Junkie Soft Bites 50g ( Bites) https://a.co/d/gL5ORR1

I use the BRS 75gpd upgraded with an extra membrane and booster pump. 150gpd.

I need to also add that using potassium carbonate to raise KH adds even more K. This is why many of us CO2 users stay away from Equilibrium type products and also run 0dKH. Or we have to circumvent K addition through various dry fertilizer. It all seems like madness, but it's not really difficult to do. You just need the right products. Lucky, they are dirt cheap.

Exactly. And to be honest. That booster has a lot of K. That's EI levels. Even Equilibrium has a decent amount of K. That's a problem at times as adjustments need to be made. It's definitely easier just to manage Ca and Mg. That said, it can become a rabbit hole and keeping it "easier" leans towards a booster.

You could use this, but will need to account for the added potassium. https://greenleafaquariums.com/products/the-ultimate-gh-booster-1lb-bag.html It would add Your addition of 16 g (equivalent to approximately 3 tsp or 1 tbsp ) GLA GH Booster to your 20gal aquarium adds: Ca 13 - 17ppm Mg 5 - 7ppm K 26 - 32ppm S 29 - 35ppm dGH 3 - 4

Shrimp and goldfish are not going to mix well. You will be feeding the goldfish at some point. Gold fish and plants is another problem as well. I've never kept goldfish, but I've read they eat almost anything. As far as building the water. Simply get CaSO4, MgSO4 and potassium carbonate. You will add these in various amounts to set a GH and KH. Ignore pH, and focus on KH. If a particular livestock likes xdKH, then you will set that amount. PH is irrelevant. https://greenleafaquariums.com/products/calcium-sulfate-caso4-1lb-bag.html https://greenleafaquariums.com/products/magnesium-sulfate-mgso4-1lb-bag.html Limited-time deal: CellarScience - AD640LB Potassium Carbonate (lb) https://a.co/d/h4LYw8Z

I haven't observed this, but I do weekly water changes. Plants can use up all available Ca and Mg, but it's a slower process. @Seattle_Aquaristknow's more, but Ca and Mg are the lesser Macros and plants need less than NPK.

An RO system is ideal, and with legalization sweeping the states; RO systems are dropping in prices. Have him look in hydroponic stores for cheap RO systems. I love flapping my gums about planted tanks. So, absolutely will help.

I agree with @Seattle_Aquarist.

I can't remember the colors for GH. What's the instructions say?

They are not listing everything. Not having calcium and magnesium is odd.

Maybe it's my phone, but I can't read the report because it's so blurry.

Wow, so jealous. If only I could have that from my tap!