I'm looking at replacing my 40 gallon planted tank and putting some saulosi in there.
I'm looking at a ratio of 1m to 4f , with plenty of rock and hiding places to stop aggression.
i've recently tested my tap water,
pH - 7.2-7.3
Kh - 3
gH -5
I know these fish like a dH of 7-30 from what i've read online but i'm unsure of how to tie the kH and gH in with this valve.
The pH is also low, i'm reading they need a pH of around 7.4-8.4. I know there is different ways of raising this, either through crushed coral or certain substrates and limestone. I've also read that bicarbonate of soda increases the pH and kH also.
I want to try and make the pH as stable as possible and try aim for around a midground pH , around 7.8-8.0.
i'm just needing some help and advice on how people keep there pH stable if they have lower end tap water and also how the kH and gH play a part and to get this right.
also what substrate do people use? i want to try and use a black substrate (Tahitian moon.) i feel this will make there colours pop a bit more.
I'm looking at putting crushed coral in my filter as i'm not a huge fan of limestone rocks on how they look. I know this is trial and error but wondering if there is a rule of how much to put in per gallon etc.
thank you.
I'm looking at a ratio of 1m to 4f , with plenty of rock and hiding places to stop aggression.
i've recently tested my tap water,
pH - 7.2-7.3
Kh - 3
gH -5
I know these fish like a dH of 7-30 from what i've read online but i'm unsure of how to tie the kH and gH in with this valve.
The pH is also low, i'm reading they need a pH of around 7.4-8.4. I know there is different ways of raising this, either through crushed coral or certain substrates and limestone. I've also read that bicarbonate of soda increases the pH and kH also.
I want to try and make the pH as stable as possible and try aim for around a midground pH , around 7.8-8.0.
i'm just needing some help and advice on how people keep there pH stable if they have lower end tap water and also how the kH and gH play a part and to get this right.
also what substrate do people use? i want to try and use a black substrate (Tahitian moon.) i feel this will make there colours pop a bit more.
I'm looking at putting crushed coral in my filter as i'm not a huge fan of limestone rocks on how they look. I know this is trial and error but wondering if there is a rule of how much to put in per gallon etc.
thank you.