I used Petco's salt mix, which I have used before with success. It worked last time, so I "played it safe." The day after I filled the tank and mixed in the salt, the kh was low and the calcium high, same numbers I'm getting now. I notice that this Kent buffer (and the others I've seen) are sodium bicarbonate and sodium carbonate, so, you're right, I paid way to much for some baking soda and washing soda and mostly water. So, if I leave it alone and add no more buffer, the pH won't crash, and the calcium will come down and this thing will balance on its own? I was adding buffer because I did that last time, because someone at an lfs said, "you'll need this." Joke's on me?! If the pH does swing down, what do I do?
My water source is my well. I hear you gasping! However, I've kept freshwater tanks for 15 years, and, at first, couldn't figure out why nothing lived in that water. The lfs "tested" it, said, "No ammonia, pH is fine [it tests at 7.0], don't know what you're problem is. Oh, you have well water? Lucky you!" (My fish are dying, lucky me, sheesh.) I finally ordered hardness tests. My well water is, no kidding, like R/O water, even in regard to phostphates. (tested for that, too.) Lucky me. I dumped a large, clean seashell in the filter, replaced the fish, and the new fish lived and thrived without a speed bump.
When I figure out how, I'll post a photo of my 2.5 year old nano reef. Crystal clear, no excess algae. Fish and inverts thriving.
Thanks, and I welcome and consider all advice. 8)
