how to raise Hardness

[Doohic722]

I know I know.. I shouldnt try to match the match the water with my fish... but

is there a way to raise the hardness of my water to better care for Malawi's?

 

[semper fi]

what is the ph of your water now?

maggie

 

[Doohic722]

hehe... what water?

actually my tank is not set up yet, I am getting all plans set before I start, I guess my next step is to take a sample of my sink water to the LFS and get the parameters.... then I suppose this question can be answered..

tommarow... LFS here I come

 

[DizzyDezzy]

Adding shell, limestone or coral to your tank decor would raise your water hardness

 

[Doohic722]

cool.. thanks DD, I didnt make it to the LFS today I spent all day at "work"... didnt get out in time.... hah... 12pm to be exact...

I have some fozilized rock (from the ocean), i wonder if that will help any,, I will try the vinagar trick to see if there is any limestone in it..

thanks

 

[malawiman]

Hi there

I have been keeping Malawis for over 4 years. I found the best way is to use a crushed coral substrate and plenty of tufa rock. I also have ocean rock to help things along. A lot depends on your starting point i.e. the hardness of the water to start with.
My best advice is to make sure you have a GH (general hardness) test kit.

Just be aware of their characteristics. The will fight if allowed to form breeding territories but if you keep the stocking level high, heavily filter the tank and carry out regular water changes you should be fine.

Good luck and enjoy your fish.

 

[Doohic722]

thanks for the advice and if you have anymore feel free to shoot it my way on the Malawi's

 

[semper fi]

any one in particular that you have in mind?