![]() ![]() Most African cichlids will thrive in very hard water conditions as well, along with some cichlids from Central America. While most fish are able to adapt to higher or lower degrees of hardness, it is always best to match the species of fish to the parameters of the tank. This range is sometimes referred to as the liquid rock zone in the aquarium hobby due to how many minerals are present in the water. However, by this point, you will want to start considering lowering the general hardness or keeping African fish species that can handle the higher degrees, like congo tetras (Phenacogrammus interruptus) and African cichlids odessa barbs (Pethia padamya), flagfish (Jordanella floridae), and some species of rainbowfish (Melanotaeniidae family) have also been known to appreciate hard water. In general, most moderately hard water aquarium species, like platies and mollies, will also be able to withstand slightly harder water as long as conditions stay stable. This includes most livebearers, like mollies and platies, and is the optimal range for betta fish. This range of general hardness is preferred by most species of tropical fish. Some popular fish include tetras, angelfish, Corydoras, and South American cichlids. Most aquarium fish in this category will be from South America, where the water is naturally filled with tannins from decaying plants and other detritus. One notable species that fits in this range is the clown killifish/banded panchax ( Epiplatys annulatus). It is not likely that you will find many freshwater aquarium fish that prefer this range, if at all. At the extreme end of the general hardness range, very soft water can be difficult to raise. It is important to understand the natural water conditions that fish thrive in order to allow their metabolism and physiological processes to work as they should without having to expend too much energy.Ĭertain fish species are found in certain degrees of general hardness: Like any water parameter, if total hardness is out of the ideal range meant for your fish, then you will most likely have problems in your aquarium. There are many commercial aquarium test kits that will accurately measure general hardness as well as carbonate hardness.Ĭarbonate hardness (KH also referred to as alkalinity) measures the carbonates and bicarbonates in the water, which is usually recorded as dKH or °KH. General hardness may also be documented in parts per million (ppm), with 1 °GH equaling 17.848 ppm. General hardness is usually abbreviated as GH and measured in degrees it is common to see it notated as dGH or °GH. How do you measure water hardness in your aquarium? Because of these exterior factors, tap water is usually moderately hard to hard and needs to be softened for certain freshwater aquarium fish. In general, hardness varies by geographical location local reservoirs of freshwater can be influenced by geological composition, runoff, seasonal weather patterns, and other external factors. If fish are kept outside of their optimal hardness range, then they may not grow as big or not live as long. ![]() These are important minerals for many fish and invertebrates in the aquarium as they help build bone and exoskeleton, regulate metabolism, and facilitate ion exchange. In terms of aquarium terminology, general hardness measures the number of minerals in the water, namely calcium and magnesium ions. General water hardness should not be confused with carbonate hardness. General water hardness, also sometimes referred to as total hardness, is important because it is linked to water pH and acts as a sort of buffer if you are having a problem with your pH level and either need to raise or lower it, you will first need to adjust the hardness. Keep reading to find out what water hardness is, how it affects your tank, and how to test and control it in your own freshwater aquarium! What is water hardness? Water hardness is an important water parameter for healthy saltwater and freshwater fish tanks, but most hobbyists don’t test for it and don’t even know it exists! Knowing the water hardness in your aquarium and understanding what it affects and how it’s affected will give you more control and insight over your entire ecosystem. ![]()
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