DIY Concrete Background - pH Spike

[LarryODonnell]

Hello all,

I recently created a 75gallon DIY Concrete Background similar to Joey's posted here:

gph

) so things are moving around well across all surfaces.

Has anyone built these before? Is there anything I can do to speed up the process of leaching out the calcium? I don't want to go an epoxy route as the tank is already set up and I actually want some algae and aufwuchs to grow on the surfaces for my hill-streams loaches, also it would be very pricey for aquarium grade stuff.

I have seen some hints online including using vinegar, aquarium salt, and water softener salt. Aquarium salt seems to have had little impact, tried vinegar last night but haven't tested since. I have not tried softener salt yet but that is my next step.

All advice and anecdotes welcome! I want to stock this bad boy up!

Thank you in advance!