Water hardness is simply measure based on the total amount of minerals dissolve in reef tank water, including calcium, magnesium, sodium, and potassium, etc. The water that has a high level of calcium and magnesium can be called hard water.
Each habitat requires a different water hardness that you need to control this for their living environment. Water that is too hard may only good for a few species, while it can create a negative effect on other fish types and fish eggs.
How to reduce water hardness in aquarium?
The most effortless way to make your water soft is by using RO water. Reverse osmosis is safe water that is also hardness-free, which is good to reduce water hardness for your reef tank.
(We have mentioned about RO/DI water source in the ‘How to set a reef tank’ preparation. Check it once again to know the advantage and how to use RO water.)
Notice: Do not use a tap water softener to reduce water hardness in the reef tank. A tap water softener replaces calcium and magnesium with sodium to make water soft. Therefore, along with softer water, the sodium level may raise and harm your fish.
When starting a reef tank, you can check the alkalinity and pH more frequently to know when the tank water has the level as requirements.
After that, use either alkalinity test kits or testing on your own to control it better.
Reef tank temp is also important as it affects directly to your bigger or nano reef tank fish. Check the reef tank temperature with a thermometer. Your aquarium heater can break or malfunction sometime, use the heater checking methods.
Once the heater is not working, you can raise the reef tank temp manually, and get the heater fixed (by a professional) or buy a new one for the tank.
Some of the adjustments taken can create a change in water chemistry, so an ammonia test kit is needed to test if your nitrogen cycle is working properly.
You might know that a high ammonia level can cause so many risks to your reef tank, so don’t forget to check it usually and apply more lowering ammonia level ways to help your fish.
Change 20-25% of your reef tank water once a week, once or twice a month to keep the water cleanliness. The frequency is up to how fast your tank components pollute the water.
Other gavel, decoration items, and tank wall can easily clean up with freshwater or dilute vinegar liquid.
