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News & Reviews Article
| Title |
General Hardness - Quick Reference |
| Author |
Ralph Cabage
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| Last Updated |
2009-12-08
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| Abstract |
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General Hardness - Quick Reference
General Hardness, or Total Hardness (dGH or dH). is a measure of dissolved mineral salts in water, particularly calcium and magnesium. General Hardness, a measure of both carbonate and noncarbonate hardness, is only applicable to freshwater aquariums. In some areas, municipal water is hard. Hardness also increases as a result of infrequent or no water changes. The greater majority of aquarium fishes can be kept in medium to hard water, however, some species have precise requirements.
Ideal hardness levels:
� very soft 0-4dh
� soft 4-8dh (0-75ppm)
� medium hard 8-12dh (75-150ppm)
� fairly hard 12-18dh
� hard 8-30dh (150-300ppm)
� very hard 30+dh (300+ppm)
To increase hardness:
� use African Cichlid Salt or AF Cichlid Chemistry according to directions
To increase softness:
� use Peat
� use Amazon Rain
� use reverse osmosis water for water changes and evaporated water - always use R/O Right to replace vital minerals
� add live plants - Anacharis removes calcium salts from the water
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