Soft water for new juvie arrivals?

[kaceyo]

Since my water is very soft from the tap I was wondering if it would be better to introduce them to soft water with salt on day one and slowly bring the TDS up to growout level. So basicly I'm asking if the soft water would be easier on them when going into a new tank and water source. Any ideas?

Thanks,

Kacey

[RyanH]

Introducing them into water that is similar to what they came from would be the best approach IMO.

How do you plan to harden your water?.

[kaceyo]

I've been using RO Right to bring it up from 44ppm to mid 200's. I'd like to start mixing my own using Joe's recipe but I keep getting stuck on which cal sulphate source is acceptible.

Kacey

[Willie]

Calcium sulphate comes in both anhydrous and hydrated forms. It doesn't matter which one you use. The hydrated forms dissolve quicker.

Willie

[kaceyo]

Hi Willie,
I did actualy get that far but isn't it supposed to be gypsum thats used in drywall that people use? That allways threw me. Can I just go buy gypsum at the hardware store? or is there a place fish people usualy order it from?

Kacey

[Jason]

Hi Kacey,

I have soft tap water as well, I've tried r/o right, equilibrium, mineral salts and, homemade mixes. I've found that enviromentaly friendly ice melter does the job just as good, just look for one thats made of calcium chloride and magnesium, no dyes or chemicals and, pet safe.

[kaceyo]

Hey Jason,
That sounds almost too easy. Throw in some calcium sulphate and that IS the homemade mix recipe. How long have you been using it? And how high do you take the TDS with it?

[Jason]

Hi Kacey,

I've been using it for about 4 years now, and many of my clients do aswell, especially on the west coast.

I dont really measure the quantity of salt added or the TDS, just toss in a handfull after a w/c.

last time I checked it was over 200 though.

honestly you dont need to add the other calcium, your boosting growth no reconstituting water. calcium is for growth and is absorbed through the gills.

Also some are all natural product that has been harvested from the dead sea, so it has a full compliment of minerals and trace elements, but it wont say on the bag, its for melting ice not eating.

hth

[April]

yeppers..jason introduced me to it. and..worked well my water is about 0 hardness. make sure nothing else is added. and..some ice melters arent calcium chloride. check it out. i got mine from the hardware store. i saw one at canadian tire that had blue in it..and uretha!!! think jason uses roadrunner brand. : )
Ive tried all different things also. ro right..etc etc.
just remember..when you get new fish..out of bags..all good as long as your going up in ph..not down..and up in temp..not down. the fish in the bag..the ph should be low..so even if your water is left..the way it comes out of the tap..should be fine..just gradually increase while doing your daily wcs. ie. throwing in a handful of ice melter with each wc.

[kaceyo]

Thanks Jason and April,
I feel better about trying it knowing that it's been used for a number of years and by more than one person.

kacey

[korbi_doc]

:D Been using Joe's recipe for yrs.. the calcium sulfate is gypsum, it is also used in soy cooking, & some nurseries have it. Some hobbyists get it at Home Depot or other discount stores, just be sure it's clean. I found it in lg bags in Phila in a chemical plant, they sell it for soy.
This info is from "Barron" who found it in breweries, which makes sense!
Hearthomebrew.com or draft.com
1800-392-8322

Homebrew Headquarters
300 N. Coit Road Suite 134
Richardson, TX 75080
Phone: 972-234-4411
Website: www.homebrewhq.com (http://www.homebrewhq.com/)

Quote from Jason about icemelter
"just look for one thats made of calcium chloride and magnesium, no dyes or chemicals and, pet safe."

April & Jason, the "icemelter" sure sounds easy & obviously works well too, maybe I'll look into it, but when I finally move to Tn, hope I won't need it, they have great water... Dottie :cool:

[kaceyo]

The only gypsum I've been able to find here is used making spackle for repairing drywall and other such stuff. I don't like the idea of using that type cuz it may have contaminents that food grade doesn't have. Or maybe not, I just don't know. Do You? I guess the same would go for the gardening type. Thanks for the info, I'll try local brewers and...soy cookers,lol.

Kacey