Best way to...... - Aquarium Advice

**Zagz** · 09-03-2005, 06:53 PM

What is the best natural way to increase GH & KH for a cichlid tank? I have added lava rock so far, and plan on getting some tufa rock.

Fishyfanatic · 09-03-2005, 09:23 PM

The lava rocks won't do anything for the hardness. Are you using a canister filter? Put crushed coral into the filter. It will increase the hardness along with the pH (to an extend it will increase the pH).

Toirtis · 09-03-2005, 09:26 PM

Some crushed coral in a filter bag works pretty well, but I am noot sure why you want to....I know lots of people living in Regina and Saskatoon quite successfully breeding and raising both Tangs and Malawis in unadulterated local water.

Fishyfanatic · 09-03-2005, 09:28 PM

That is true Toirtis. My africans are breeding like rabbits in very soft water.

**Zagz** · 09-04-2005, 11:44 AM

The tank was filled with soft water instead of hard water, I thought the water softner was turned to bypass, so it is quite soft. Gh is 40 and Kh is70. Unless those numbers are fine. I do have 2 cannister filters so I will try some crushed coral. Thanks Guys!

**Zagz** · 09-04-2005, 12:20 PM

I tested the water with and without the water softner, what a difference! I didn't think it would make so much difference. The hard water, kh is 160, the soft is 70, the hard water the gh is 130, the soft is 40. Amazing.