How does everyone raise KH?

[Speedie408]

Hello all,

I've been seeing that some folks are keeping their KH at various levels ranging from 0-8. What are the benifits of keeping say a low KH compared to something higher, such as 8? Also my main question was, how does everyone raise their KH safely to not harm shrimp? Additives? Crushed coral?

Thanks,

Nick

[2Toned]

I aim for a KH of 2-3 degrees with a GH of 3-4.

I start with rainwater now, but previously RO DI water, add potassium carbonate to attain 1 degree KH. The balance is calcium carbonate in the form of marble chips, which are a component of the substrate and sodium bicarbonate, which is added on a weekly basis, as KH sarts dropping off.

I'm not doing water changes, just top off with pure rain water.

[Speedie408]

Wow! That's a lot of work 2Toned. How do you streamline your water testing? Do you still use liquid test kits or what is your recomendation? What substrate are you using that contains calcium carbonate, or did you mix it into your substrate?

Thanks for replying BTW!