Testing pH, KH, and GH

[tides]

I've been testing my tank's pH, KH, and GH for the first time, and the numbers seem all over the place. pH is 7.8, KH is 4 dKH, and GH is 12 dGH. Is this normal for a planted tank with Neon Tetras and a few Amano Shrimp? My substrate is Fluval Stratum, and I'm using a sponge filter with weekly 20% water changes.

[boldcrest]

Those numbers aren't too wild, but the high GH might be stressing your shrimp. What's your tap water like? If it's hard, you might wanna cut it with RO or distilled. Also, Stratum buffers pH, so it's weird your pH is that high. You using any additives?

[starnova]

Yeah, Stratum usually keeps pH lower, like 6.5–6.8. You sure your test kit's fresh? Old reagents can give sketchy readings. I'd double-check with a different brand or take a sample to your LFS. Also, what's your lighting schedule? High light can mess with CO2 levels, which affects pH.

[tides]

Those numbers aren't too wild, but the high GH might be stressing your shrimp. What's your tap water like? If it's hard, you might wanna cut it with RO or distilled. Also, Stratum buffers pH, so it's weird your pH is that high. You using any additives?

My tap water's GH is 8 dGH, so it's not crazy hard. No additives besides Seachem Prime. Maybe the Stratum's exhausted? It's been in there for about a year.

[folio]

A year's a long time for Stratum to keep buffering. You might wanna swap it out or add some peat granules to the filter. Also, your KH's low, which means your pH could swing hard if the Stratum stops working. Not a chill situation for Tetras.

[SkyDivePro]

I'd second the peat idea. It's a cheap fix and won't nuke your tank like chemical buffers can. Just toss a mesh bag in your filter. Also, how often are you testing? Daily swings are normal, but if it's consistently high, something's up.

[museo]

Is there a specific time of day you're testing? pH can fluctuate with CO2 levels, especially in planted tanks. Testing in the morning vs. evening can give totally different numbers.

[boldcrest]

Those numbers aren't too wild, but the high GH might be stressing your shrimp. What's your tap water like? If it's hard, you might wanna cut it with RO or distilled. Also, Stratum buffers pH, so it's weird your pH is that high. You using any additives?

My tap water's GH is 8 dGH, so it's not crazy hard. No additives besides Seachem Prime. Maybe the Stratum's exhausted? It's been in there for about a year.

Yep, Stratum's probably done. You could try adding a small bag of fresh Stratum to see if it pulls the pH down. Or go full substrate swap if you're up for it. Just watch the cycle.

[starnova]

Before you go ripping out substrate, test your tap water after letting it sit out for 24 hours. Sometimes dissolved CO2 in fresh tap water can throw off pH readings. If it's still high, then yeah, Stratum's toast.

[folio]

I'd second the peat idea. It's a cheap fix and won't nuke your tank like chemical buffers can. Just toss a mesh bag in your filter. Also, how often are you testing? Daily swings are normal, but if it's consistently high, something's up.

Peat's legit, but it can tint your water brown. If you're into the blackwater vibe, cool. If not, almond leaves are subtler.