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Today we are discussing the importance minerals and electrolytes play in the aquarium and how they relate to GH or general hardness. Minerals and electrolytes are essentials for all fish in order to osmoregulate properly. Without adequate supplies of minerals fish undergo stress trying to regulate and this can lead to a host of other issues and ultimately could lead to a sick fish.
It is important to understand the role these positive minerals and electrolytes play in maintaining a balanced aquarium and ensuring our aquarium fish are in good health. Often things like General hardness are overlooked, especially when we are new to the hobby. When testing GH keep in mind that as minerals are depleted within the aquarium your GH range will not drop, even though you may be lacking the essential minerals needed by your aquarium fish.
Calcium and Magnesium specifically help combat acid build up in the fish tank cause by decaying waste. It is essential to ensure these minerals are re-charged and replenished frequently enough.
Minerals and electrolytes are replenished with water changes. Often tap water does not contain enough of the necessary mineral and electrolytes needed by your freshwater inhabitant. In cases where you have low GH, soft water (for fish that require a harder water) or are seeing fish illnesses and fish disease caused by lack of minerals, there are often times a need for a buffer.
Lately we have been using AAP Wondershells, which work great at adding the essential electrolytes and minerals our aquarium is in need of due to our super soft water.
American Aquarium Products Wonder Shells are a great GH aid. It is basically a slow dissolving mineral block packed full of magnesium, calcium, potassium and other trace elements. It adds a constant supply of minerals and electrolytes since it dissolves slowly and we have been very happy with it. We have found it very easy to use since there is no need to measure and dose, rather you just add the block and replace it when needed. For more info see the link below.
Devon from American Aquarium Products also gives us all the basic information on redox and what that means for fish keepers. He discusses the benefits of having a balanced aquarium and share his advice on how to achieve that. He goes over some of the most important aspects to consider as it relates to redox in the fish tank. For more in depth information on redox please see the links included below.
The reason we got our wonder shells from AAP is because they also offer a medicated wonder shell which is unique to them. It contains small dose of malachite green, methelyne blue, copper sulfate and arciflavin and is a good preventative treatment for minor fish sickness and dish disease. It is especially helpful for mild fungus and nipped fins or damage caused by aggression. We also chose AAP since they are the ones who pioneered the research on the proper use of wonder shells and aquarium redox balance. We like supporting other who help support and educate the community!
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Redox: http://www.americanaquariumproducts.com/Redox_Potential.html
AAP Wonder Shells: http://www.americanaquariumproducts.com/MedicatedWonderShell.html
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American Aquarium Products YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/user/cstrohmeyer
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