Raising Ph And Hardness To Ro Water

[smeyers2]

Ok Thanks for all the help... 
 
The water in my freshwater tank with nothing added to R/O water except Kent R/O Right... pH 6.8, TDS 67
 
How can I measure the KH (Carbonate Hardness)   I'm using the API GH & KH test kit. Is that a proper kit ?  Reason being I'm supposed to count the drops of test solution that it takes to turn the water from blue to yellow. It changes to yellow after the first drop.  Is that likely, or do I need a different Test kit ??? 
 
The question I am leading to is this....  From what I have read the buffering capacity is related to Carbonate Hardness ??? If so, how would I raise that without putting all those magic buffers which you all say no to use??
 
Thanks !!

 

[eaglesaquarium]

That's very likely for R/O.  R/O should have very low TDS and that includes carbonate.
 
The buffering is related to the carbonate hardness.  I don't know enough about discus to give you an answer right now, but if you give me a little time, I should be able to find something for you.

 

[smeyers2]

Thank You ! Have A Good One !!

 

[eaglesaquarium]

A beginners guide to discus states this:
 
http/www.simplydiscus.com/library/discus_husbandry/discus_basics/discus_4beginner.shtml

Keeping things stable is important. Don't add chemicals except to remove chlorine/chloramine. Messing with pH is usually not necessary.

Age water, that is, put the water that you want to use for the aquarium in a barrel a day before you want to use it for water changes. Use good aeration and set a heater at the tank temperature in the barrel. This is done if the pH of the tap water is not stable (if you check pH out of the tap, then let the water sit overnight and check the pH again and its different).
 

 
Another article on Water Hardness:
http/aquaticconcepts.thekrib.com/Articles/Water_Chemistry.htm
 
 
All about Water from North American Discus Association
http/www.discusnada.org/category/discus-101/all-about-water/
 

 

What is the best water for discus?​

You do want to learn about your water.  Test the pH from the tap and test the pH of a cup of water left on the counter overnight.  Test the GH and KH of your water.  Log the results so you have them to refer to.​

 ​

You can successfully raise tank-bred discus in nearly all of the domestic water found throughout North America.  Generally, if water is fit for human consumption it’s fit for your discus tank.  Chances are the best water for your discus is your own dechlorinated tap water. You may have to stabilize the pH by agitating it or you may be able to use it straight from the tap.  What’s best for your discus?  Fresh, warm, pH stable water is best for discus. Water changes promote growth, increase appetite and maintain health. Don’t worry about altering your water chemistry. Do a water change instead.​

 
You can draw your own conclusions, but its possible you are being too particular about your water for the discus.

 

[smeyers2]

Thanks JD...
 
Plenty of reading there... it does look like I am being too particular about my water. I've always been told how difficult it is to raise Discus. Now I'm learning that ain't so !!!  Many Thanks to you and all the others who have helped me !

 

[eaglesaquarium]

Here's some more food for thought...
 
http/youtu.be/YWMnPZKJWaE