Could use a bit of help

[Speakeasy]

Moved to a new place and out the tap i have some weird reading?

GH 300 ppm hard

KH 0 ppm

PH 6.4 or lower 

 

How do I get to a nice range...ive never really delt with hard acidic water before 

[Galabar]

KH will measure carbonates/bicarbonates only (CO3/HCO3).

So, you may have high levels of magnesium and calcium sulfates and chlorides, but no (very low) carbonates.

You can add something like SeaChem Alkalinity buffer to get the KH up.  You don't need a lot.  A KH of 3-4 (53.7 ppm - 71.6 ppm) should be fine.

You have a high GH.  I'm not sure what that means for plants and fish, but it *should* be Ok (can other folks comment on that?).

 

Edited October 25, 2023 by Galabar

[Biotope Biologist]

It’s not all that uncommon to see water like this especially if you are on well. 6.4 pH isnt anything id be concerned with and you can add carbonate salts to bring the kh up- it will likely raise your pH too as the carbonate will buffer the acidity in the water some. 

[nabokovfan87]

I use a product called alkalinity buffer for mine to raise up KH.  Second to that you can use, probably advised, to have some crushed coral or aragonite sand type of substrate.  That being said, you might just keep caridina shrimp and enjoy it! 🙂

There's always something that enjoys whatever water parameter you have.  It'll be interesting to see what you do.

[Speakeasy]

Thank you all..