Betta tank

[Drnriordan]

I have a betta in a 5 gallon tank that also has one live plant (and a silk plant). I am using RO water and have been using Betta Basics, Fresh Trace, Equilibrium and Neutral Regulator. I do weekly partial water changes (a gallon change). My pH is right at 7, my GH is right around 60ppm and my KH is around 40ppm. I keep my tank temperature around 76°. Even with everything looking decent, except for the KH a little low, my betta still has some lightly frayed fins in one spot. He eats fine and is active. I’d like to get his fins fully healed. Could he be stressed by the lower KH and if so, how do I raise the KH without raising the GH too much?

[Tech Support AN]

Thanks for the post, Drnriordan!

I don't think the lower KH would cause any issues with his fins. Have you checked the ammonia, nitrite and nitrate levels?

[xstanton]

Yes, baking soda can be used to raise the KH of water. Baking soda contains sodium bicarbonate, which helps raise KH without raising the pH too much. Adding baking soda also does not increase the overall hardness (GH). Or you can add crushed coral, aragonite, or a store-bought alkaline buffer to your aquarium water.