How do I raise GH without affecting pH or KH?

[meangene714]

Here are the readings from my tap:

GH: 2-3 degrees
KH: 11 degrees
pH: 7.9

The water from my tank reads about the same (if it matters).
After sitting overnight, the GH and KH of the tap were about the same, and the pH jumped to 8.3.

My water source is naturally hard, but I also have a water softener.

I've heard about adding crushed coral, but I think that would raise both GH and KH. Is that correct?

I've also heard that epsom salt will raise GH but not KH. Can anybody verify this?

Also, would epsom salt affect the pH?

Are there any other ways to raise GH?

This will be for a 115g Malawi setup. So I think my GH should be at least 10 degrees???

 

[happychem]

Well, I do not know anything about malawi setups.

But yes, epsom salts will raise GH without affecting pH or KH. Epsom salt is magnesium sulphate (MgSO4), mind you, I'm just starting coffee number 1, so I'm still a little hazy.

Anyway, GH measures Mg and Ca, so MgSO4 will increase GH without affecting your buffer (KH), which is a measure of strong bases in your water (bicarbonate, carbonate, phosphate, borate, silicate, the first 2 making up the majority of most systems)

 

[meangene714]

Thank you for replying.

How will the sulfate affect my water?

 

[happychem]

Other than adding sulphate? It has no effect on KH or pH. You can prevent a buildup with water changes. I don't think that I've heard of any detrimental effects of sulphate in an aquarium, but some more experienced types may voice otherwise.

There are specialty salts for malawi tanks, perhaps that would be the best choice?

 

[JSchmidt]

Epsom salts are great for increasing GH. I mix my own Malawi salts and epsom salts are a prime ingredient. Shouldn't affect KH at all.

Jim

 

[meangene714]

Thank you (both) for replying.

 

[magic]

It's advisable to add Epsom salt during regular water change or is just meant for medication/treatment purpose?

will overdose of Epsom Salt kills the fishes?

Thanks.

 

[PumaWard]

If you are using it to raise water hardness, yes, than you add it with a water change. Otherwise, medication only.

I don't know if epsoms can be overdosed, sorry I can't help you there .

 

[happychem]

I'm sure they could be, just a matter of the scale involved, it would probably take a lot.

I would think that the biggest detrimental effect would be adding a lot to a running tank that hasn't had any added, in other words, creating a sudden change in the water chemistry. It would probably stress the fish quite a bit, so if you were adding it to an established tank to increase your Mg levels (don't ask me why one would do this, it's just hypothetical) then a gradual, stepwise approach should be followed.

Man, magic, you dug deep to find this old thread, eh?

 

[PumaWard]

Happy, I don't think a rise in gH affects much... my reasoning is that if it were harmful, than you wouldn't be able to add it for consipation.