DIY GH buffer? Epsom salt and eggshell dust?

[knifegill]

So I've read a few interesting articles on pH and GH in tanks, and want to stop using crushed coral as a fix. I believe that a slight GH buffer is all I'll need, but I'm not thick in the wallet so would rather improvise something. I've heard that epsom salt (magnesium sulfate) is a typical stand-alone hardness buffer. Any input on that notion? Can I DIY a GH buffer with epsom salt and something else?

 

[Mr Pleco]

Why would you want to buffer GH? What types of fish are you keeping?

 

[IrnGynt]

I just use Wonder Shells for GH and small doses of Marine Buffer at water changes for KH.

 

[Mr Pleco]

I just use Wonder Shells for GH and small doses of Marine Buffer at water changes for KH.

What sized tank(s) do you manage?

 

[knifegill]

So wonder shells dissolve slowly enough to not raise the pH too much? I thought wonder shell was mostly a KH buffer. What is in the marine buffer you use?

 

[wizardslovak]

i use baking soda , epson salt and kosher salt for my cichlid tank , ph is constant and my fish are always healthy

 

[IrnGynt]

I use them in my 75, 29, and two 10 gallons.

Wondershells won't raise your pH but will help stabilize your KH. They will raise your GH. I use Seachem Marine Buffer to raise the KH.

Just about everything you'd want to know about GH, KH, and pH is right here:

http://www.americanaquariumproducts.com/AquariumKH.html

 

[knifegill]

Okay, thanks.

I'm letting it go down and just want to make sure it doesn't get below the 4's and 3's.