low alkalinity

Question
Hi Karen,
Thanks for the speedy response. I thought my alkalinity was low, becuase on the tube of my test strips, it reccomends an alkalinity concentration of 120-180 ppm as "ideal" and 40 ppm as "low". That was why I was concerned and it wasn't a typo! Do you think I should try a different water quality test instead of the strips. The kind I use is the "Jungle 5 tests in one quick dip". Once again, thanks for your advice!
Nathan


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Followup To
Question -
Hello!
I've been searching through previous questions for any help on aquarium water with low alkalinity. I recently started up a 10 gallon tank, and after 5 days add 3 fish to get the cycling started. I've been testing and keeping track of alkalinity, pH, nitrites, nitrates and hardness every day. Everything is perfect except for the alkalinity, which is about 20-40ppm. I know it has to be higher because it serves as a buffer for the pH levels, but I have no clue how to raise it to a sufficient level. I've had my fish for one week, and they seem to be happy and active. I'd like to try and get my alkalinity balanced out before adding a couple more fish, so any advice on how I could do that would be great. Thanks!
Answer -
Dear Nathan,

Unless what you wrote was a typo but a Alkalinity (KH) level of 20-40 ppm is actually quite high and is just fine for your fish. The best way to tell is watch if your fish are doing well and seem happy---if they are I wouldn't try to adjust their water chemistry when it isn't necessary.

Otherwise, unless your test kits are bit different. A KH reading of 4-8 is preffered for most freshwater aquariums. But an overwhelming majority of fish are well adapted and thrive in even less-than-ideal water chemistry. The main rule to remember is fish thrive in Stable and not Specific water chemistry and as long as the water is clean and good, that is all most fish will ever need.

I hope this helps! If you have anymore concerns, feel free to email me....

Best wishes and Happyfishkeeping!!
Karen~

Answer
Hi Tony, I didn't think you made a typo but it was worth checking just in case! ;-)

~I really don't understand how your test kit readings are like they are. I know a good reading of KH or buffering capacity around 4-8 (some recommend 4-6) is fine for most freshwater aquariums. If maybe the tests are wrong (which I would doubt but you never know) what you really need to be watching for are drops in pH which would certainly indicate a too low Buffering capacity or Alkalinity level in your aquarium water.

I will be investigating this a little further and let you know if I find out anything....

I hope this helps, best wishes!
Karen~