How to Make Soft Water Hard With Cichlids

Keeping fish can be a fascinating and rewarding hobby, but before you set up your first tank you need to make sure the water quality is appropriate for the fish you plan to keep. Some species of freshwater fish prefer water that is very soft, others thrive in hard water and still others do best in water that is neither too hard nor too soft. Many varieties of cichlids do best in hard water, so if the water coming out of the tap is soft, you need to increase its hardness before bringing your fish home.

Things You'll Need

  • Aquarium
  • Water hardness test kit
  • Water hardness products
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Instructions

    • 1

      Determine what hardness level the cichlids you plan to purchase do best in. This information can be found in a variety of places, including fish keeping books and guides. You can also ask the staff at your local aquarium center about recommended hardness levels.

    • 2

      Fill your aquarium and allow it to sit for a few days. Use a commercial water hardness test kit to determine the natural hardness level of your aquarium. It is best to take a reading each day over a three- or four-day period, then average those values together, since pH can fluctuate a bit.

    • 3

      Purchase materials designed to make the water harder. These water-hardening materials include calcium carbonate, calcium sulfate and magnesium sulfate. These materials are available at many pet stores and aquarium centers, and they are generally sold as powders that are dissolved into the water.

    • 4

      Add a small amount of the hardening materials into the water, then measure the hardness until it is at the optimal level. You will need to add more material each time you perform a water change to keep the water at the desired hardness level.