Hi.
I have a 1 gallon acrylic fish bowl with an aerator, planted, 3 lambchops, and 1 zebra danio. I feed infrequently and use a decholorinator during 25%-50% weekly water changes.
I used API's 5 in 1 Aquarium Test Strips. All tests were within ideal range for nitrates (0), nitrite (0.0), and pH (7.0) except for KH and GH (180).
So this white, foggy buildup began slowly about 2 months after I started the aquarium. It doesn't wipe off with a sponge, doesn't scratch off with my nail. It is clear near the aerator and plants, I'm thinking this has something to do with the current. I have a goose neck lamp on a timer that is coincidentally aimed at the foggy buildup. An aquarium said it was hard water and that they have pH regulators that will clear it over time, on its own. It was pricey, so I decided to wait until I did my own research online.
My problem is that GH, KH, hard water, softener searches has returned pages about mineral buildup above the water line due to evaporation. Mine is a uniform area below the waterline.
I could transfer my fish temporarily and soak the acrylic bowl in vinegar. But if I don't fix the hard water, won't the fogginess just return again? Will I have to purchase bottled water from now on?
If anyone can advise on a low cost method (I wouldn't mind the hard work), it would be much appreciated. Or a low cost temporary fix until I can afford the ideal method.
Thanks in advance!
I have a 1 gallon acrylic fish bowl with an aerator, planted, 3 lambchops, and 1 zebra danio. I feed infrequently and use a decholorinator during 25%-50% weekly water changes.
I used API's 5 in 1 Aquarium Test Strips. All tests were within ideal range for nitrates (0), nitrite (0.0), and pH (7.0) except for KH and GH (180).
So this white, foggy buildup began slowly about 2 months after I started the aquarium. It doesn't wipe off with a sponge, doesn't scratch off with my nail. It is clear near the aerator and plants, I'm thinking this has something to do with the current. I have a goose neck lamp on a timer that is coincidentally aimed at the foggy buildup. An aquarium said it was hard water and that they have pH regulators that will clear it over time, on its own. It was pricey, so I decided to wait until I did my own research online.
My problem is that GH, KH, hard water, softener searches has returned pages about mineral buildup above the water line due to evaporation. Mine is a uniform area below the waterline.
I could transfer my fish temporarily and soak the acrylic bowl in vinegar. But if I don't fix the hard water, won't the fogginess just return again? Will I have to purchase bottled water from now on?
If anyone can advise on a low cost method (I wouldn't mind the hard work), it would be much appreciated. Or a low cost temporary fix until I can afford the ideal method.
Thanks in advance!