When it comes to aquariums and fish tanks, one of the most important parts is water hardness. But, not all fish owners understand the meaning and purpose of hardness. It may be measured in terms of degrees. There are two types of water hardness including Carbonate Hardness and General Hardness. So, how to soften aquarium water? Let’s check out this article for the answer.

General Hardness (GH)

The General Hardness of the water is the result of the amount of dissolved calcium as well as magnesium in aquarium water. It can be able to effect on tropical fish. So, it’s essential to know whether the fish can thrive in the water or not before you decide to place them in that water. Certain species of tropical fish can be able to live in water with general hardness.

And, some others can be able to live in soft water. That’s why it’s important to conduct research on the type of tropical fish you plan to keep in the tank. If you ignore this step, you can take several lives of fish as well as cost your money. The majority of tropical fish are capable of living in tap water as well. However, the water doesn’t contain chloramine and chlorine.

Most importantly, you need to avoid keeping your fish in water that’s too hard or too soft. If your fish can be able to thrive in soft water only, don’t place them in tap water in any way. If you still do it, it can make your fish death. But in some cases, your fish can be able to adapt well enough, especially for the water with sufficient natural hardness.

How to Purify Tap Water for Your Aquarium?

Carbonate Hardness (KH)

The level of bicarbonate and carbonate ions you find in the aquarium water is called carbonate Hardness. It is also the buffering capability of the water. Thanks to the carbonate hardness measurement, you can know the number of times the aquarium’s pH level will fluctuate. If the KH is larger, the water’s pH value is also steadier and vice versa. The fact is that there is a direct combination between the Carbonate Hardness and pH.

How to Soften Aquarium Water?

If you want to keep hardness in check, you have to measure it regularly. So, it’s important to know how to soften aquarium water. By this way, you can keep your tropical fish safe. But, just do it gradually in order not to disrupt the lifestyle and health of your tropical fish.

Reverse Osmosis

In order to reduce water hardness in the most economical way, you need to use Reverse Osmosis (R.O.) units. They can be able to remove contaminants, metals, as well as minerals from the source of the water. Also, you can use water containers for the same purpose. Most importantly, remember to maintain consistency.

Water Softening Pillows

Another way to soften hard water is installing these units in the filter of the aquarium. This is also a great method for softening aquarium water in smaller tanks. The thing you need to do is just laying the water softening pillows in the filter. Then, let the water pass through it.

Rain Water

For tropical fish, it’s a great idea to use rainwater. But for that, it’s essential to make sure you use the clean water. It means that you need to make sure all the aspects of the rainwater catching system are clean as well as sterile.

Peat

Many fish owners choose to use peat to deal with hard water by placing the peat inside the filter. This way have the purpose of letting the hard water go through the peat before they come back into your tank. In addition, you can also soak the peat in a large container for about 2 weeks. Also, remember to keep the water aerated with an airstone. However, don’t forget to boil this peat first. It’s best to buy peat without any additives.

Driftwood

Using driftwood is also an effective way to soften hard water in your aquarium. But, you need to use clean driftwood. First, you have to boil it in order to eliminate any toxins. But, you just can apply this way to smaller pieces. And, you need to pour boiling water on top of the wood when it comes to larger ones. Then, you need to scrub it with a brush.

Although tannins can’t cause any damage to your fish, it can be able to make the water look brownish. That’s why it’s essential to soak the wood in a container before you decide to place it in the tank. You need for a few weeks for this. Last, remember to add that airstone.

Conclusion

All of above information promise to help you learn how to keep your fish healthy. If you don’t soften hard water, it can cause severe damage to the fish. This is considered as one of the most important responsibilities of any fish owner. So, it’s important to check the levels of General Hardness and Carbonate Hardness. Hopefully, you find our article interesting and useful.

Not everyone can maintain their aquarium properly. Maintaining your aquarium will help you keep your fish tank cleaner. It may be a challenge, especially for those who start off with fish keeping. Actually, with a good aquarium maintenance practices, you can get a healthy aquatic environment as well as thriving fish. In this article, we will help you learn how to maintain your aquarium.

ALGONE Beautifies & Balances the Aquarium

You can choose to spend thirty minutes on maintenance every other week. This has the purpose of resolving expensive and time-consuming problems. The tank stability is the biggest factor for maintenance. Just when everything is running properly, you needn’t any major change. You also have to be careful with the increases or decreases of the major aquarium water parameters.

Water Change

When it comes to maintaining your aquarium, the water change is an important factor. It’s best to do this about every two weeks. You just need about 10-15% of the tank volume. We recommend you to replace the water extracted when you vacuum the gravel. It will help to eliminate uneaten foods as well as other residues on your tank.

Don’t forget to check the water parameters of both the tank. In addition, check the replacement water as well. Most tap water comes with chloramine or chlorine. That’s why you need to use a water conditioner in order to neutralize the chlorine in both cases.

However, you don’t eliminate ammonia in the latter. And, the nitrifying bacteria will break down them. You will have to take the longer time to do this. Other elements of municipal water include iron, phosphates, as well as other heavy metals.

If you want to learn about your tap water chemistry, it’s best to contact your local water company. Although well water is normally harder than tap water, it doesn’t contain chlorine/chloramine.

You also have to check your filtered water on a regular basis. This is the same as one part of your aquarium maintenance routine.

Testing Aquarium Water

You can’t see water chemistry. That’s why it’s important to check it on a regular basis. We recommend you to make this a routine. It’s best to do this when changing the water.The important parameters include nitrites, PH, nitrates, and carbonate hardness. The PH is actually from 6.5 – 7.5. This level is great for most species. However, you can also adjust them if slightly out of range.

You need to keep the PH under close observation if it reaches close to 4.5 dH or 80 ppm. Keep taking your action if the PH decreases any further.

If you want to raise the kH, you can use haft a teaspoon of baking soda per twenty-five gallons. Normally, you won’t detect nitrites at all times. Once you detect it, it’s time to check on ammonia as well. It’s essential to keep them below 10 ppm in the freshwater. For marine and reef, you need to keep nitrates below 5 ppm.

Aquarium Filtration

One of the essential things is the right function of the filter. You should change filter inserts at least every four weeks.A high fish load will need shorter periods. You also need to clean the filter once a month. To do this, you use the water extracted from the tank when changing the water.

Recommended Aquarium Maintenance Routine

Daily

The equipment has to be ensured to be running properly.When you feed your fish, don’t forget to watch them. You can easily realize any potential problem thanks to behavioral changes.

Weekly

It’s important to count your fish in the tank. If your fish death, there will be ammonia and nitrite spikes. At the same time, the nitrate levels are also high.

Every Other Week

You need to test your water for the vital parameters. They include carbonate hardness, PH, nitrate, and nitrite. Remember to change 10-15% of the water. The second important task is vacuuming the gravel. It’s also essential to clean the aquarium walls. It’s best to use filter floss to do this effectively. Do this often. Last, remember to rinse filter inserts. You need to use the extracted water.

Monthly

Replace some items including cartridges, filter inserts, carbon, floss, and Algone. Make sure connections inspect tubing, skimmers, and other parts can operate properly. So, check them often. Your lighting has not to be affected.

So, it’s important to clean aquarium top. Pay attention to the expiration dates printed on the boxes you are using for your aquarium. It’s wrong to use after the imprinted date.

Aquarium Maintenance: Hydro-Vacuums

In order to use a hydro-vacuum, you need to push the attachment into the gravel. Also, you need to suck on the other end of the hose. But, the outer end of the hose has to be kept lower than the rim of the tank. It’s best to place the end of the hose in a bucket that is below the water level.

Then, the gravel swirl will be around the large end of the hydro-vacuum. And, you just need to pull the attachment out of the gravel. You will clean the gravel bed while you needn’t remove the gravel from the tank.

You should do this every two to eight weeks. It’s time to change the filter materials in the power filter. If they can be reusable, you need to place it in a bucket with some aquarium water. The tap water you use has to be the same temperature as the tank water. Last, it’s essential to replace the granular activated carbon.