Hardness and Alkalinity

[Mlrust1816]

What are the most effective and safe ways to reduce hardness and also to lower the pH

 

[Apocalypse_Gold]

Reverse osmosis water 50/50 with tap. IME there isn't a good, safe way to reduce pH and general hardness (gH) without cutting the carbonate hardness (kH), which can only be reasonably done by adding water with a lower kH, like RO or distilled. Adding chemicals just makes the water quality worse. What is your current pH, gH and kH, and what is your target range? Is there a particular fish you keep (or want to keep) that needs a lower pH?

 

[Mlrust1816]

In a month or so I will be transfering from a 20 gallon to a 29 gallon. Then I want to add a pair of German Blue Rams.

The GH is between 150 and 300
The KH is between 180 and 300
The pH is between 7.2 and 7.8

I currently have one plant and I plan on adding more when I move up to a 29 gallon