GH LEVEL

[LeapFrog_85]

Well no one would answer this is the Tropical Chit Chat area so I'm gonna try here.

I got my new Master Test Kit in the mail today from PETsMart online so I tested the water in my 10 gallon tank. Everything turned out fine but the General Hardness was a few degrees higher than the booklet said it should be. I know I have hard water because it leaves mineral deposits on dishes and looks a bit cloudy sometimes. Well anyway I was wondering if anyone could tell me what I can do to lower it.

 

[Cian McLiam]

What kind of fish do you have? There are only a few fish that require soft water as a matter of life and death, so if your fish arent bothered about it, you shouldnt be too bothered either!

A reverse osmosis unit or a de-ionizer will soften your water but its quite a lot of expense unless you ntend to breed a species like Discus that will not spawn in very hard water.

Ken

 

[Bangin]

As Cian McLiam stated, you can only decrease your GH by adding a more 'pure' form of water. I'll be using RO water, because my future tank inhabitants will appreciate it. Not many fish are demanding when it comes to water hardness.

 

[fishrock]

how long has your tank been up and running? mine started out like that but as it cycled it corrected itself.

 

[LeapFrog_85]

Ah, I've had my tank running for 6 months or so... I don't really have picky fish... 1 Blue Gouramis, a few Black-fin Tetras, 1 Golden Tiger Barb, 1 Oto sucker, 1 Cory, and 1 Albino African Clawed Frog.

 

[amazingbioloboydp]

u need otos in schools of 3 or more

 

[LeapFrog_85]

yeah, I know...I went to the pet store to buy more but they didn't have any yet.