questions on water softeners/additives

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BPags52

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Feb 22, 2009
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Tallahassee, FL
I didn't put this in the setup/filtration section of the forum because this specifically relates to how it will affect cichla.

I hadn't tested my water in...well, years. My old setup was well established and I didn't have problems with varying water conditions so I eventually stopped testing it once I ran out of supplies.

Now that I have re-stocked the tank and starting over with a clean slate, I bought a pack of those 6-in-1 quick dip test strips. My nitrates were high so I've increased the regularity of water changes and they are slowly lowering.

The reason I'm here posting this though, is my concern of the water hardness/pH. I always assumed I have a neutral to slightly acidic pH (have a few pieces of driftwood, but by no means alot).

Total hardness (GH) tested as: Very Hard -- 300 ppm.
Total alkalinity (KH) tested as: High -- 300 ppm.
pH tested as: somewhere around 7.8 or maybe even higher.

I'm concerned because most people here seem to agree that cichla do best in a slightly lower than neutral pH (below 7.0). I'm not really sure how KH and GH factor in, but it seems like those shouldn't be so high...

So now I've been looking around to see what I can do keep my conditions closer to ideal for cichla, in a way thats easy to maintain and doesn't pose a risk to rapidly changing water conditions and thus stressing fish.

Heres what I've come up with so far, what are you guys' opinions?

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+3974+4085&pcatid=4085
I'm considering keeping a ready supply of "Blackwater Extract from Tetra" on hand. I'll gradually put in the required amount for my tank size, then add the needed amount whenever doing water changes. If needed I'll also use the below link (proper pH 6.5) together with the blackwater extract.
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+3974+3984+4037&pcatid=4037

I also see a water softener filter media called "Keta-Peat Nuggets" (looking at a catalog, don't see it on the website to link). But its described as: "Water-conditioning filter medium ideal for all rainforest fish and plants. Replicates real blackwater." But it doesn't say if its re-usable. I don't want filter media that I have to replace every few weeks...prefer to rinse and re-use.

I figure the hard part will be initially getting the conditions to how I want them...then just maintaining it through water changes (additives included).

Thoughts? Constructive criticism? I'm all ears.

Oh yeah, sorry for the long-winded post :D
 
honestly i am not going to lie to you i didnt read any of your post besides your title... if you use the search button you will find tons on this topic.. if you want to soften your water, don't add any additives, you want to change your water chemistry only naturally... drift wood or bog wood, kettappa leaves, and possible peat as your last resort.
 
Yeah the general consensus seems to be to add driftwood. The problem with that being my tank decor is already complete/set-up...more driftwood doesn't really work for me.

edit: Kettappa leaves aren't yielding any search results on here. Why would peat be a last resort? Can it be dangerous to the fish? or fluctuate water levels?

2nd edit: Seems most people are saying just to let your fish adapt to your tap water hardness...I can do that!
 
sorry people spell them all diff ways... try 'catappa' leaves also know as west indian almond leaves..... peat is a pain to deal with... if you have drift wood then your water should be soft... you can also use an rodi or ro system.... you could let your fish adapt but there colors will look better in softer water.
 
channarox;2909264; said:
ive personally never trusted additives....
just get alot of nice lookin driftwood.
Click to expand...

i agree ^ the only chemical i use is prime.
 
The ketapeat nuggets should be fine (I don't know how long it takes for its effects to wear out though) since you aren't open to adding anymore driftwood. It contains mostly ketapang (indian almond leaf) extract (what other forumers are referring to as cattapa) peat, and oak. I'd go with that rather than the liquid extract because I'd imagine since that is used as media it will keep your ph more consistent (especially after a wc) for a longer period of time, and will save you money and effort in the long run (compared to having to continually dose with the liquid stuff).
 
The ketapeat nuggets should be fine (I don't know how long it takes for its effects to wear out though) since you aren't open to adding anymore driftwood. It contains mostly ketapang (indian almond leaf) extract (what other forumers are referring to as cattapa) peat, and oak. I'd go with that rather than the liquid extract because I'd imagine since that is used as media it will keep your ph more consistent (especially after a wc) for a longer period of time, and will save you money and effort in the long run (compared to having to continually dose with the liquid stuff).
Click to expand...

Will they still turn the water brown from tannins?
 
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