Lake Malawi Species • Cichlid Lake Salt & Cichlid Trace Chemicals

[GarPac19]

I have a question regarding treating water for Malawi Cichlids at my weekly water changes. For many years i've used Cichlid Lake Salt for buffering, etc. No complaints - water is super clean, fish look happy, eat well, and breed on occasion. Recently though, i began using the Cichlid Trace product from Seachem at my last 2 water changes. I've noticed a brightness in Fish color and activeness. Can anyone help educate me on the advantages or what are recommendations for utilizing Cichlid Lake Salt together with Cichlid Trace Elements?

[sir_keith]

Cichlid Trace has a few trace elements that are not explicitly present in Cichlid Lake Salt, but unless you're starting out with RO water, these trace elements are probably present in your tap water anyway (or are provided by your substrate). Cichlid Lake Salt contains primarily sodium, potassium, and magnesium salts that increase water hardness. Personally I find it hard to believe that Trace would have any noticeable effect on your fishes coloration or behaviour. Neither product is a buffer.

[GarPac19]

Sir-Keith, I appreciate your thorough response, very helpful and informative. Thank you!

[sir_keith]

Glad to help.