What is the easiest way to bring gh or general hardness down

[Skuseman]

What is the easiest way to bring down gh or the general hardness of my water down. The water softener pillows have not seemed to work for me in the past. The ones that you put into your filter.My general hardness is over 286 ppmMy tank is a 55 gallon freshwater with live plants. I have two gold fish a bull shark 2 tiger barbs, a cory cat a a blind cave fish 3 fruit tetras, and hatchet fish and a diamond tetra., I also have a algea eater but i do not know what variety it is. Any advice/help will be greatly appreciated. I also do water changes 15% every two weeks.

 

[LittlePuff]

Peat.
I doubt it's a problem. Fish usually adapt to pH and hardness. It would be different if you had discus.


Kim

 

[Toirtis]

As mentioned, you probably don't need to...most fish adapt and thrive, but if you must, probably 50% RO water at water changes.

You probably do need to do something about your livestock, though....almost all your fish are schooling species in far less than optimal numbers, and you really don't want goldfish in with tropicals.

 

[Skuseman]

Thanks again.. My wife will not part with these 29 cent gold fish and they are now far to big to put them into any of my smaller tanks. They tend to eat everything in sight as well.. hahaha Want to buy em hehehe

 

[Toirtis]

Tell her that all the other fish are really sad without schooling mates, and that so long as the goldfish are there, there is not room to put in more fish....and besides, since the golds will get 14" long anyways, its best that they go to a bigger 'forever' home while they are still young.

 

[Skuseman]

I'll pass that on to her. Thanks for the tips and advice. I will no longer concern myself with the hardness. Most of the fish listed up there are more then 4 years old in my home. Never mind how long they lived before i got them =) thanks again. Maybe you can share info about your setup.

 

[Toirtis]

Maybe you can share info about your setup.

That could take awhile...I have 63 tanks currently, all FW and brackish, all ranging from 2g-275 gallons, many species tanks, some predator tanks, some community tanks....most planted. I prefer odd and unusual fish, but that does not keep me from having a fair few dozen livebearers, tetras, etc as well. Despite my many tanks, I do not have a fishroom, and so my aquaria are scattered throughout my home (12 in one bedroom, 6 in another bedroom, 3 in one bathroom, 3 in the walk-in pantry, several in hallways, etc)....makes my tank maintenance a bit more of a workout than some people get at the gym.

 

[Skuseman]

wow thats incredible. You enjoy this hobby i can tell. I know whom to bug if i have further questions.. LOL God bless