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Hi Everyone,

I have finally gotten my cichlid tank up and running. All my fish are doing great. I have heard that African Cichlid's do best in hard water. Currently my Total Hardness (GH) measure about 25 ppm, whcih is very soft. However, my pH is 8.0 and my Alkalinity (KH)is in the high range(above 180 ppm). I have several rocks(supposedly limestone) in the tank, but have not seen an increase in the hardness of the water.

Since my fish are doing fine (I have had them for about 2 weeks now) do I just let them adapt to the softer water, or increase the hardness? If so, how?

Thanks

Well, if its working it should be fine right? I don't know how to harden the water other than limestone though

most frontosas like around 9, but the ones i get from my wholesaler are ajusticed to 7. WoW!

they are those aquarium ph raisers, at lfs, with a pic of some fish, and numbers to show ph values, try getting some of them.

If you want to raise the pH/KH baking soda is the cheapest way to do this and it works like a charm. How big is the tank? Add a small amount of baking soda each day until you reach your desired pH.

The pH raising products available to the lfs will cause pH swings so stay away from them.

A pH of 8 is fine for your fish.

EDIT: Just realised you may be talking about raising you GH. There are additives available specifically for african cichlids. I used one made by Kent. Alternatively epsom salts will raise the GH.

Last edited by Lindy at 12-Sep-2005 22:51

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