I need Answers

[MaloK]

Thank you for this!
So to clarify don't use the equilibrium yet or not at all until my gh and kh are correct?

Re-read point #2 attentively... You need to lower you KH and raise your GH after. So yes you will have to add GH+. That is the water you use for water changes. not in the tank.

First you need to study what your fishes requires.

I don't want to sound condescending. But, Be certain that you understand what you are doing and why, before doing it...

If you are new to tempering water chemistry. Better safe than sorry.

I would not really want to be the cause of a cataclysm in your aquarium, because I enticed you to modify something that needs somewhat a good basic understanding and cannot be done blindly.

 

[Livy_ann]

What your saying makes sense!
I would hate to never be able to get these fish again if I just leave the tank as is.
I will consider my options, thx for your time

 

[MaloK]

What your saying makes sense!
I would hate to never be able to get these fish again if I just leave the tank as is.
I will consider my options, thx for your time

No problems, feel free to add any questions you have during your quest... Your situation is a little special... The first step to understand what is going on, would be to compare GH/KH test results between your water source and what is in the aquarium at the moment. This step is to find out if something in the tank is modifying the water chemistry. Then Reflection and actions to remedy the problem are taken.

Besides serious illnesses and nitrogen spikes... Precipitation is nearly never required.

Most of the time GH and KH are balanced enough that hardening or softening the water becomes a simple operation.

In your case apparently softening the KH to a desirable level includes ending with a too low GH at the same time.

Of course you can use Salty Shrimps Minerals with pure RO to get (any) good balanced level you want. But that would be taking the costly path.

Take your time, no matter how long you can dedicate to the hobby per week, put aside a little while on water chemistry... And... Have fun.