Molly's and hard water

[Delapool]

My tap water is soft. Kh is around 4 and GH a little higher. GH is tested with strips though.

The dry ferts dosing includes Epsom salts (magnesium sulphate I believe).

Since starting the dry ferts I don't seem to getting the odd random Molly death I was getting before of say one every three months.

I'm actually away for a week so can't test water but I'm wondering if there could be a link here or just lucky?

 

[PNWaquarist]

Magnesium sulfate contributes towards water hardness, so that's probably the cause of the improved longevity of your mollies. Mollies will not do well long-term in soft water.

If I were you, I'd slowly add a mixture of 3 parts calciums sulfate to 1 part magnesium sulfate (or use an equivalent pre-packaged aquarium product) every time I did a water change. Slowly ramp up your GH until your tank water is moderately hard.

 

[Delapool]

Thanks for the reply. I may be able to lift Ca as well. Is there any good ratio or as you suggested?

 

[PNWaquarist]

Thanks for the reply. I may be able to lift Ca as well. Is there any good ratio or as you suggested?

I've read 3 part calcium carbonate to one part magnesium carbonate, but have never done this myself.

There are likely commercially-available products out there with the "correct" ratios of beneficial salts for hard-water species.

 

[Delapool]

Many thanks for the information. Will check out.