alkalinity

so I plan to get a fluval chi 6.6 gal with black aquarium sand, and anubias, and possibly another plant or two (tiger lotus and/or sunset hygro), and a betta fish. This will be my first planted tank, and I understand that algae could be a problem, so I was thinking about investing in algae...

So, I went to Wal Mart today and got Jungle, 5-n-1 Test strips that determines pH niatrate nitrite hardness and alkalinity. Well, I just did one just now picture below is what I got. My betta is in a 5 gallon tank, with a heater but no filter, just a aerostone bubblier. what should i do...

Hey everyone. So I just bought a water test kit for the first time today because my betta has a fungus and I wanted to see what was up with his water. I'm just a little confused about a couple of the results: pH 7.5 Alkalinity 180 ppm Hardness 300 ppm Nitrates 0 Nitrites 0 Ammonia 0 So I know...

Does anyone have experience using baking soda in order to increase the total alkalinity? Any information about how to raise the alkalinity/buffering capacity would be great. Thanks!