High KH and Discus

[imatrout]

I have just started to raise Discus and am learning a lot about them My tank has pressurized CO2, but my KH is high (10.5) I want to give the discus a PH environment of 6.5, but doing that with my KH induces way too much CO2. My question is: Is there any non-phosphate way (additive) of lowering my KH without resorting to RO water? Ideally I'd like to get my KH down to 6-7.

Thanks all.

 

[Tom Barr]

Re: High KH and Discus

RO is the easiest method to reduce KH.
I'd shoot for 4-5KH or so.

Regards,
Tom Barr

 

[Spar]

Re: High KH and Discus

peat moss in your filter will help out the lowering of pH significantly. there isn't an exact science to the quantity needed, but just start low and keep adding as necessary.

it will also give some tanics to the water which will help the Discus feel at home better too. win/win.

There is a local breeder here in Dallas (actually Fort Worth I think) that breeds discus successfully in high GH and KH water. 8.2 pH. So not sure how necessary the lowering of pH is in the big picture. You will want RO water for the eggs and fry anyway, so may be worth investing in a RO unit.