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What does everyone add to their tanks?


Wattle tree

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Hi, I haven't been here for a while,but am back! I have revamped my cichlid tank and have been reading a lot of info.The American forums suggest Epsom salts and bicarbonate soda to add to your water at water changes, do you guys use this?I have had a 5 x2 x 2 for about ten years now and have had a bit of a roller coaster ride with success,just wondering what you thought.

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I add water unless it's wildcaught fish.

Other than that I use driftwood for acidic tanks and coral/marble chip for alkaline tanks.

I find playing chemist with water additives ends up being more hassle than it's worth for the majority of fish.

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Hi,,, using salts and buffers are used to bring the water chemistry to correct measure.

It's not a black and white question for everyone to ask "should I use it or not ?".

Only you will know if you need it because your the one at your water source.

First you need to test your water source for GH and KH.

If your talking riftlake cichlids,,, then a KH of 7 or 8 is ideal and GH of 8 to 10.

If Tangs a touch higher.

If your tap water test is a increment less than these measurements then it's fine to use as is without added buffers and salts.

So if you aren't close to these ideals, then you should be using buffers and salts to bring it to where it needs to be.

Epsom salts (magnesium sulphate) will increase GH

Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) will increase KH and stabilize your PH to.

These are used in a economical situation when large amounts are used and the option is cheaper.

If there isn't many tanks to dose,,, then seachem buffer/salts are a good choice.

In my breed room I run KH 13. And GH 15.

So you know it's not damaging to go a bit higher.

As the nitrogen cycle in your tank takes place, the KH slowly depletes over time,,, so water changes alone or water changes with salts/buffers will replenish the levels.

It's always a good idea in a heavily stocked situation to have a higher KH due to the nitrogen cycle working harder depleting the KH faster.

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