HC isnot pearling!?!? please help...

[kakkoii]

MY HC isn't pearling. can anyone help me??????

Light: 4 wpg
drop checker: yellow
PH: 6.4
KH: 3/4
Fertz: Pferts p,m,n,k.
CO2: yeast bottle, 0.7 BPS. Jap. diffusers.


Regards,
Drew B.

 

[VaughnH]

DIY CO2 is not as "productive" as pressurized, and unless you have a pretty small tank, that .7 bbs is not much CO2. Do you have 4 dKH distilled or deionized water in the drop checker? How big is the aquarium?

 

[kakkoii]

well, the tank size is 10 gallons and the directions on the drop checker say to use tank water. Maybe this is the reason.

 

[VaughnH]

Yes, the use of tank water makes the drop checker just a tank water pH indicator. You need to use the 4 dKH distilled or deionized water in it. You can get by ok by making your own 4 dKH water, using grocery story distilled water, and baking soda. Use your KH test kit while mixing, diluting, diluting again, starting over, etc. until you finally have 4 dKH water. It doesn't have to be exactly 4 dKH - 3.6 dKH or 4.4 dKH give just about as good a result.

 

[kakkoii]

THANX!!!!!!!!!!! I appreciate it!!!!

 

[jmpease]

I found this link helpful when mixing my own 4dkh solution:

KH Standard / How to - The Planted Tank Forum