How do you harden soft water?
- Thread starter robintrann
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Add small amounts of crushed coral gravel to your filtration until it rises. Add less then you think you'll need, it takes a few hours to really act. For a 75 gallon tank, just a handfiull of coral gravel is plenty.
Conversely, about 1/2 teaspoon or baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) per 5 gallons will raise it somewhat too, and then you can adjust from there. Mix it in a container outside the tank with tank water and add the mixed water to the tank.
Conversely, about 1/2 teaspoon or baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) per 5 gallons will raise it somewhat too, and then you can adjust from there. Mix it in a container outside the tank with tank water and add the mixed water to the tank.
If you want to buffer your water, you need an idea of what your hardness is. There are several ways to alter pH/hardness. Substrates work well for making the water harder and increasing pH. Baking soda, but you need a test kit to keep things consistent. Crushed coral, some rocks (texas holey rock as an example) are other methods.
To soften your water, you can use peat (or peat granules), or some substrates (ADA amazonia will soften water but is quite expensive). Adding driftwood or almond leaves can make minor differences in softening things up as well.
To soften your water, you can use peat (or peat granules), or some substrates (ADA amazonia will soften water but is quite expensive). Adding driftwood or almond leaves can make minor differences in softening things up as well.
trying to constantly raise and lower your ph will wreak havoc on your livestock.robintrann;4470886;4470886 said:
Well I am cycling a new tank but the water of the new tank is a lot softer than the water in the old tank, it is completely opposite. Is it bad if I move the fishes over without adjusting the hardness?