Hi,
I'm posting in this section as I think its as much about the species as anything else...
I'm setting up a new tank for some captive bred Herichtys Carpintis and I'm concerned my rocks may contain too much calcium.
I tested them at the shop with normal vinegar and they didn't react at all. I have tested with stronger vinegar (6%) and still nothing, even after scuffing up rock dust before wetting with vinegar.
To be on the safe side, I also tested with some high strength cleaning acid (32% hydrochloric acid) and that DOES make it fizz up, quite alot, but I think I may be going over the top.
Now, my water is quite hard anyway, (please see attached breakdown from local water supplier) and these fish like hard water anyway. So, given that strong vinegar doesn't fizz up at all and as I run a 50% minimum per week water change schedule, (so I could increase that to 70 - 80% with no drama) would this level of calcium be likely to cause problems with my captive bred Herichtys Carpintis?
My tap water pH is 7.5
I really like these rocks and I don't want to ditch them for being over cautious.
Many thanks for your advice.
I'm posting in this section as I think its as much about the species as anything else...
I'm setting up a new tank for some captive bred Herichtys Carpintis and I'm concerned my rocks may contain too much calcium.
I tested them at the shop with normal vinegar and they didn't react at all. I have tested with stronger vinegar (6%) and still nothing, even after scuffing up rock dust before wetting with vinegar.
To be on the safe side, I also tested with some high strength cleaning acid (32% hydrochloric acid) and that DOES make it fizz up, quite alot, but I think I may be going over the top.
Now, my water is quite hard anyway, (please see attached breakdown from local water supplier) and these fish like hard water anyway. So, given that strong vinegar doesn't fizz up at all and as I run a 50% minimum per week water change schedule, (so I could increase that to 70 - 80% with no drama) would this level of calcium be likely to cause problems with my captive bred Herichtys Carpintis?
My tap water pH is 7.5
I really like these rocks and I don't want to ditch them for being over cautious.
Many thanks for your advice.
