How to Make Water Softer in a Fish Tank

Poor water conditions make fish more susceptible to disease and illness. Hard water conditions are created by increased amounts of calcium and magnesium, which directly affect the pH level throughout the tank. However, before the pH level can be maintained, the water must be softened using a quick temporary means in conjunction with installing special filters for a long-term solution. Taking a layered approach to maintaining optimal water conditions results in healthier, stronger fish.

Things You'll Need

Water pH conditioners
Water pillow
Non-soluble aquarium rock
Peat moss
Reverse osmosis filtering system
Water test strips for pH, calcium and magnesium

Instructions

- 1
  Perform a water quality analysis on your water source and tank water. This provides you with baseline water quality readings before you begin changing your tank conditions.
- 2
  Pour a water softener or pH stabilizer into the tank, according to the directions on the box. This immediately starts to reduce water hardness and achieve desired pH levels.
- 3
  Place a piece of clean, natural peat moss or commercially manufactured water pillow in the tank, to enhance water softening properties. The pillow catches the calcium and magnesium, and contributes to maintaining correct pH levels.
- 4
  Replace coral rocks and other calcium-carbonate-based gravels with less soluble ones, such as slate and granite.
- 5
  Incorporate a reverse osmosis filtering system, to achieve consistent desired levels of water softness. Reverse osmosis filters also reduce temporary water hardening spikes in calcium and magnesium, due to partial water changes.
- 6
  Check water quality weekly to maintain proper pH, calcium and magnesium levels.
- 7
  Replace pillows, moss and filters as directed by the manufacturer, to maintain optimal water conditions.
- 8
  Add pH stabilizers when needed, to address spikes in water hardness.