Top Rated Aquarium Test Kits For Freshwater And Saltwater Tanks In 2019 (Review And Guide)

Take two glasses of water from different sources and they are going to look the same. Your eyes are not going to tell you if one is better than the other.

BUT...

When it comes to your pet fish, this is important.

The composition of your tank water can directly affect your fish. This is true for both freshwater and saltwater aquariums. This is their home and you want the water to be good.

So, how do you make sure?

Today I’m going to tell you the way you can test the tank water quality for your lovely pet fish.

Here it is. The aquarium water test kit.

Before you can pick the best one for your tank, let’s talk about the important things you need to know!

1/ The important things you should know before buying an aquarium
water test kit.

What is an
aquarium water test kit?

An aquarium water test kit is equipment that helps you understand what your tank water is made up of.

Water has all kinds of different elements. Some of these elements are good and some are bad. Different levels can affect the health of your fish.

A test kit helps you understand things about your water. Regular testing is important as your tank levels can change. If your tank becomes unbalanced it will affect your fish. It can make them sick and die.

A test kit can include test tubes, testing solution, color cards and most important, an instruction guide.

Some kits are more user-friendly. Some take specialized knowledge to use. It is important to carefully choose which kit you are going to use.

Why should you use an aquarium test kit?

Let's go back to the glass of water. You don't know what is in it.

• What is the pH level?
• Does it have ammonia?
• What about nitrite?
• What about nitrate?
• ..............................

If your nitrites level is too high, your fish could die. Any imbalance in the tank water can cause chaos.

An aquarium test kit helps you understand the home your fish are living in – and how to keep it healthy. By constantly testing the water with a test kit, you ensure the water parameters are within safe levels or can quickly act if they are not – saving the lives of your fish.

Years ago, I decided to have a fish tank. I bought everything I thought I’d need and stocked the tank with fish. Within 24 hours, they were all dead.

My first mistake – I didn’t let the water stand. I was using city tap water and the fluoride killed my fish.

Next mistake – I decided to put a bunch of rocks in the tank to make it more interesting. The problem was the rocks I used changed the pH level and killed them.

If I’d had a testing kit, I could have made sure the water was proper to welcome my fish. This all was an upsetting costly mistake. 

Are there any
other ways to check the water parameters without using test kits?

Yes.

There are other ways to test the quality of the water in your aquarium: Digital Meter Test Pen and Test Strips.

The
range of their accuracy goes from test strips (least accurate), test kits
(accurate) and digital/scientific probes (precise).

Digital Meter Test Pen

If
money is not an issue, then the Digital Meter Test Pen gives immediate, precise
results.

Pros: Precise, immediate results

Cons: Very expensive

Test Kits

Highly
recommended for the aquarium hobbyist. Test kits provide accurate results
against a good range of potential water issues.

Pros: Inexpensive, accurate results.

Cons: Takes time for preparation, not simply
to use compared to test strips.

Test Strips

Not
recommended for the aquarium hobbyist. Test trips assess a variety of issues
ranging from 1 to 6 types of water issues. The results are immediate but may
not be accurate depending on the age of the strips and how they have been
stored.

Pros: Instant results, simple to use,
inexpensive.

Cons: Least accurate, hard to store (sensitive
to humidity), use-by-date.

[su_highlight background="#e2e2e2"]I recommend you use test kits as they are accurate and cost-effective. [/su_highlight]

What are the
issues for aquarium water?

There are many issues for aquarium water that pet fish owners need
to consider.

For the aquarium hobbyist, there are six key elements that need to be tested:

• Power of Hydrogen (pH)
• General Hardness (GH)
• Carbonate Hardness (KH)
• Ammonia
• Nitrites (N02)
• And Nitrates (NO3)

This is a generalization for freshwater and saltwater tanks.

Calcium, salinity, copper, iodine, iron, phosphate, potassium and silicate elements can also affect the quality of your water and health of your fish if you have a saltwater tank.

If you are investing in expensive fish, it would be good to check
for them prior to introducing your fish to their home.

Different fish have different requirements. So it’s important to
do your research and understand the balance your tank needs.

So do we need
to test all of the above water parameters?

The answer could be yes, but then that means you need to buy more than 10 different test kits for each of the different elements listed above.

You might think this could be a lot of work and money. It’s going to take you time, right?

Here is a good thing. You DON'T need to do this.

[su_note note_color="#e2e2e2"]Depending on your tank setup, a freshwater or a saltwater tank, and the specific fish you have in your tank, you just need to focus on some specific kinds of elements/parameters.[/su_note]

And there is good news. Some single test kits that are suitable for fresh or saltwater aquariums can be purchased as one product. They are called master test kits. We will introduce to you the best of these products.

But right before we dive in the best
product reviews, let’s better understand the ideal water parameters for your
aquarium.

What are the ideal
water parameters for your aquarium?

Getting the numbers correct on water parameters for your fish tank is important. There are different parameters for freshwater and saltwater fish.

Freshwater aquarium parameters

[su_csv_table url="https://aquariapassion.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/freshwater-aquarium-parameters.csv" header="yes" responsive="yes" fixed="yes"]

Saltwater aquarium parameters

[su_csv_table url="https://aquariapassion.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/saltwater-aquarium-parameters.csv" header="yes" responsive="yes" fixed="yes"]

2/ Best aquarium water test kits reviews

So, what do you do?

The following are recommendations to ensure your fish tank
is happy. These are the best test kits we recommend. They will give you the
answer to “what is the matter with your tank”.

Understanding what the issue is the first step to solving
the problem. Guessing will only hurt your fish. Let’s find out what your
options are!

For freshwater aquariums

1/ API Freshwater Master Test Kit

[su_button url="https://www.amazon.com/API-FRESHWATER-800-Test-Freshwater-Aquarium/dp/B000255NCI" target="blank" style="flat" size="6" center="yes" icon="icon: hand-o-right"]Check the price[/su_button]

Master Test Kits provide the necessary equipment to test a variety
of potential water issues in your fish tank.

The API Freshwater Master Test Kit includes 7 bottles of testing solution, 1 color card and 4 glass tubes. It accurately measures the water content for ammonia, pH, high range pH, nitrate and nitrite.

This is perfect for the aquarium hobbyist as it is very user-friendly – and cost-effective.

2/  API GH & KH Test Kit

[su_button url="https://www.amazon.com/API-TEST-Freshwater-Aquarium-Water/dp/B003SNCHMA" target="blank" style="flat" size="6" center="yes" icon="icon: hand-o-right"]Check the price[/su_button]

This is a one-use test product for General Hardness (GH) and Carbonate Hardness (KH).

It includes 2 bottles of testing solutions, 2 glass test tubes and
1 color card. It accurately measures the dissolved mineral content of water.

Water hardness directly affects your fish’s environment. Unless
you are changing your water source, this is usually an initial test (when you
set up your aquarium) and then maybe once a month to monitor your tank.

For saltwater aquariums

1/ Salifert Master Reef Testing Combo Kit - Saltwater Aquariums

[su_button url="https://www.amazon.com/Salifert-Master-Reef-Testing-Combo/dp/B00RW64LMI" target="blank" style="flat" size="6" center="yes" icon="icon: hand-o-right"]Check the price[/su_button]

This master kit tests for six elements: alkalinity, calcium, nitrate, pH, phosphate and magnesium. These are the core issues for saltwater tanks.

It's cost-effective
and provides accurate results. The 2 step instructions make it very
user-friendly. It would be good if the instructions were laminated.

2/ Salinity Refractometer for Seawater and Marine Fishkeeping Aquarium

[su_button url="https://www.amazon.com/Refractometer-Fishkeeping-Automatic-Temperature-Compensation/dp/B018LRO1SU" target="blank" style="flat" size="6" center="yes" icon="icon: hand-o-right"]Check the price[/su_button]

Unique to saltwater tanks, one of the issues is the salinity of the water.

The Refractometer measures on two scales:  the specific gravity and parts per thousand.

It also has automatic temperature compensation.  It’s a reliable monitor for ensuring you have the balance correct. This is important for your fish.

3/ Salifert Iodine Test Kit

[su_button url="https://www.amazon.com/Salifert-Iodine-Test-Kit-Tests/dp/B001EIWBR2" target="blank" style="flat" size="6" center="yes" icon="icon: hand-o-right"]Check the price[/su_button]

Salifert Iodine Profi-Test measures all iodine compounds for a total concentration result. The results are very accurate as it is free from “interference from other elements found in saltwater”.

This kit is good value as it comes with 40 tests.

6/ ATI ICP-OES Complete Saltwater Water Test Kit

[su_button url="https://www.amazon.com/ATI-ICP-OES-Complete-Saltwater-Water/dp/B01AS2D5ME?ref_=ast_bbp_dp" target="blank" style="flat" size="6" center="yes" icon="icon: hand-o-right"]Check the price[/su_button]

Talk about a one-stop-shop. The ATI ICP-OES Complete Saltwater
Test Kit does it all.

Simply purchase a test kit which includes a prepaid label, send your water in and wait for the results.

They test for boron, bromine, calcium, chloride, magnesium, sodium, sulfur and strontium (major elements). It includes tests for salinity and carbonate hardness. They also test for minor elements including phosphorus and mercury.

The difficulty is waiting for the results and it is expensive.

My picks for saltwater aquarium test kits.

To test your saltwater aquarium, I recommend review options from 1
to 5 as they are most cost-effective. You also have control of the testing and results.

Review option 6 might
be a good option when you want to test all water parameters in your fish tank
and money is not the problem.

3/FAQ

How to use
test kits?

Make sure you read the instructions. Most test kits have a minimum of
two steps.

• Check the expiry date on your product.
• Label your test tubes.
• Drop in the test solution.
• Give the test tube a shake to mix the solution with the tank water.
• Match the test tube with the color chart.

Yes, it is that simple.

[su_note note_color="#e2e2e2"]Note: Do not use your test tubes to gather water from your tank. You don’t want any leftover chemicals from the last test to sneak into your tank, right?[/su_note]

How often
should you test your fish tank?

When you first set up your fish tank, you should test it daily as it settles. This is the key as everything is new and could impact on the water quality.

Once all levels are consistent, you can test weekly.

If your fish tank goes cloudy or your fish seem slow or stressed, test your water.

In many cases, there are one or more elements that have gone high or low. Test daily until your fish tank stabilizes.

What is the
difference between pH and the high range pH?

A pH test checks the level up to a point. If the result is on the
high end, then the ‘high range pH’ test measures more accurately higher levels.
This is particularly important for saltwater fish.

What is the difference in testing freshwater and saltwater tanks?

Saltwater tanks generally take more maintenance than a freshwater tank.
This starts with the fact they require salination. You must create the
saltwater and that balance is the first thing you will need to test for and
monitor. Evaporation can affect the balance.

I bought a
castle and some rocks for my tank. Should I retest?

Absolutely!

You’ve introduced new items to your tank. They can interact with the
water and change the balance of some elements.

4/ Conclusion

You’ve bought an aquarium and support equipments, decided on the
fish you are going to get and you’re putting it all together. The most
important part of the tank is the water. It’s where your fish pets are going to
live. The best way to make sure you are doing it correctly is using a test kit.

There
is no other way to ensure the correct balance. Making a mistake can be costly
with dead fish. The naked eye cannot see the different elements in the water in
your tank. Using test kits helps protect your investment in your fish.

If you use a test kit to care for your fish tank, I’d love to hear your
comments. If you have any questions on testing, you can also leave a message there.

Read the original article at :
Top Rated Aquarium Test Kits For Freshwater And Saltwater Tanks In 2019 (Review And Guide)

Best Water Clarifiers for Freshwater and Saltwater Aquariums in 2019 (Top Picks And Reviews)

Cloudy saltwater tank: The ultimate guide to get rid of it

Cloudy Goldfish Tank: The Ultimate Guide To Get Rid Of It.

It can be a bit frustrating to see your goldfish tank
water become a complete mess.

We have all been there. We know how crazy that can be.
But well, tank water has gone beyond the profit-making vibes that we all bury
in our minds. There are of course a lot more to it, one of them is the
cloudiness of your fish tank.

You know what strange is about this cloudiness thing?

Most times, what you see with your naked eye is just a
mere change of your water from that fresh look to a milky white or probably
brown color.

It is actually not that simple. It can be a huge sign
that your goldfish tank lacks good hygiene. Maybe you are not adding the right
proportions of chemicals to your goldfish tank, or you are just being careless
even when you know what to do.

While you are at it, your fishes started to become a
victim of your cloudy goldfish tank. There are lots more you can do to save the
day. You may well figure it out here.

1. What Makes Your Goldfish Tank Cloudy?

You cannot possibly get rid of the cloudiness in a
goldfish tank without having an idea about its causes. This is because there
could be special causes. And each cause has a different treatment method.

It means you can't treat bacteria-oriented cloudiness
the same way you would treat algae-oriented cloudiness.

Let's get down to the point. Cloudiness can be caused
by a number of things.

When I say "a number of things", you should
know that there are whole lots of causes waiting for you right here.

Algae Bloom

Sometimes, the cloudiness of your goldfish tank may be
very severe. So when all of a sudden, the milky white color of bacterial bloom
turns green, then an algae bloom is sure at work.

Unlike bacterial bloom, algae bloom is easy to figure
out with your naked eye.

With a thick greenish hue in your goldfish tank, you
are sure to easily spot an algae bloom.

It is often perceived as the most frustrating form of
cloudy water. You don't want to invest your gaze on this ‘messy thick green
water'.

Causes

Still wondering how these algae bloom thing storms your
tank? Not to worry.

The reasons are simple.

First, it usually starts when you overstock
fishes in your tank or probably overfed them.

Second, it may be that there are overgrowing
numbers of nutrient in your tank water. The nutrients may be nitrate and
phosphate. It is sure to mess up the nice look of your goldfish tank water.

Still wondering how this phosphate and nitrate works.
Your goldfish tank will definitely be invaded by these two nutrients when there
are lots of decayed fish food and waste in your water. Third, it may
just be that your goldfish tank is exposed to excessive direct sunlight, or
your tank lights have been switched on for a long time. It could stir up algae
growth.

Finally, an algae bloom could occur if you fail
to perform the weekly water changes.

Bacterial Bloom

Maybe you don't know, one of the most common causes of
cloudiness in a goldfish tank is bacterial bloom.

Certainly, some less harmful bacteria in your tank are
the brain behind the constant maintenance of the nitrogen cycle. Of course,
this nitrogen cycle keeps your tank super clean. But well, there are also other
kinds of bacteria right there. These bacteria are quite harmful.

When a lot of these harmful bacteria invade your
goldfish tank, your water becomes cloudy. And in the next few days, your water
turns to a milky mess.

Sounds frustrating right? What's more?

Strangely, bacterial bloom doesn't just come. It seems
to be addicted to a specific phase of a tank.

What am I talking about? Bacterial bloom has a more
pronounced period when it invades your tank. It often shows up when your
goldfish tank is still new and the environment inside of your tank is still
prone to microorganisms of similar nature.

One more thing. If by any chance you figure it out in
an old tank, it may be due to seasonal changes, for instance, hot periods.

Dirty Tank

Somehow, dirty water may also have a cloudy look with a
slight yellow color in your tank.

High level of dissolved phosphates, silicates or
heavy metals

Once you have thoroughly washed your gravel and you
find out that the cloudy look is still looming over your goldfish tank, you
should test the pH of your tank water.

When the pH level of your water is high in dissolved
phosphate, silicates and metals, chances are that the cloudiness in your water
is caused by them.

Gravel Residue

Let me say this straight, inadequately washed gravel
can make your goldfish tank cloudy.

Are you wondering how? Once you filled your goldfish
tank with water and it becomes cloudy afterwards, chances are that you didn't
wash your gravel as much you as you should.

2. How Do You Get Rid Of A Cloudy Goldfish Tank?

In many cases, all you just need to do is watch the
cloudiness of your goldfish tank leave on its own.

In other cases, you may just have to exercise a little
patience and settle with simple routine maintenance.

But well, it can be frustrating when you simply can't
resolve the cloudiness of your goldfish tank even with these simple measures.

If you think the cloudiness of your goldfish tank may
prolong more than you ever bargain for or you want to speed up the solution,
this is why I have garnered some treatment methods that are bound to apply to
each cause for you.

Treatment Methods

Algae Bloom

If you are quite sure that algae overgrowth might be
the problem, here are a few treatment methods you should try.

Algae-eating fish

You may not know. Algae-eating fish are often a good
way to deal with algae bloom and the cloudy look of your tank.

How do you get to use it?

Try to buy some algae-eating fish or snails that can
feast on the algae on all corners of the tank. There you go. Your tank can
become clean again with this simple tip.

Algaecide chemicals

If you aren't really confident about the algae-eating
fish thing, try some algaecide chemicals.

Use a Nitrate or phosphate filter media

Unlike other remedies, adding a nitrate or phosphate
remover is more of a control measure than an instant solution.

Where am I going? After your tank water is completely
free from cloudiness, try a nitrate and phosphate filter media.

A good example is Fluval Clearmax.

So what is the essence of it? It will minimize the
likelihood of algae bloom in the long run.

Use Particulate clarifiers

Maybe you don't know, you can also add clarifiers such
as Nutrafin's clear fast to get rid of algae bloom.

Let me be honest with you, it may take a lot of
persistent usages to clean your water completely but it sure does work.

Add UV sterilizer

Will UV Sterilizer make your goldfish tank completely
sterilize? No. Recent studies have it that a good number of living
microorganisms grow each day in a fish tank. So a UV sterilizer will only
reduce the numbers of these harmful organisms including algae bloom in your
fish tank. It can't definitely sterilize the parasites that have already
invaded your fish tank.

Bacterial Bloom

Broad-spectrum antibiotic

If by any chance you think that the problem with your
tank is bacteria, try to use a broad-spectrum antibiotic.

You can add seachem kanaplex, minocycline, and the
likes or contact a veterinarian for appropriate antibiotic treatments.

Sure enough, they are active against negative bacteria
in your aquarium water. It is available in pet supply stores.

What's more? When you decide to add a broad-spectrum
antibiotic to resolve your cloudiness problem, you may need to exercise some
patience.

This is because effective results may take a few weeks
but whatever it is, it is definitely a good catch for cloudy water.

High level of dissolved phosphate, silicate and metal

Add water conditioners

You should treat your tank water with some water
conditioners in these cases.

Use reverse osmosis water

Dirty Tank

Change your tank water

Once you can figure out what the problem is with your
dirty tank, change your filter and do a 20-30% water change. While you change
your water, remove excess fish food and waste from your gravel.

What's more? How often do you need to perform this
water change?

The answer is quite simple.

This depends on the capacity of the tank, the number of
fish and whether or not you have a good filtration mechanism.

If your tank becomes dirty because of excess waste in
your tank, a 20 percent water change per day until it becomes clean will
perform the magic.

Add Water Clarifier

After you have performed a water change for your tank,
you can well add water
clarifier to speed up the clarity of your water.

Gravel Residue

Wash inadequately washed gravel

Imagine what it would be like to fill your tank with
some water and in a twinkle of an eye, the tank turns cloudy.

It can be extremely frustrating. But well, there is one
thing you can try. It may be that there is some inadequately washed gravel.

Still wondering how to break free from this? Simply
drain the tank and wash the gravel until the water becomes clear. There you go.

3. Tips On Keeping A Goldfish Tank Clear

[su_list icon="icon: check" icon_color="#3ef323"]

• Ensure that your filter is always clean.
• Do not expose your tank to sunlight. It spurs algae overgrowth.
• Do not overfeed your fish. Eliminate the remnants of any uneaten food after a few minutes.
• The consequences of overfeeding are fatal. Your tank will be exposed to a lot of algae.
• Ensure you perform a water change regularly.
• Do not use an overdose of any products you decide to use for your cloudiness problem.
• In addition to maintaining the clarity of your goldfish tank, you can well install an EcoBio-stone in your goldfish tank.

[/su_list]

Still wondering how this EcoBio-stone works? It is made
from a natural volcanic stone that is garnished with some less harmful bacteria.

When I say less harmful bacteria, this stone is sure to
regulate the nitrogen cycle of your tank and make it clean regularly.

You may never see the invasion of algae and bacterial
bloom in your tank with EcoBio-stone around you.

Final Thoughts

Keeping your goldfish tank as clear as possible after a
cloudy attack requires a bit of determination and consistency.

If you are to have a healthy goldfish, you should know
that the above tips should be incorporated into your lifestyle just as you take
your bath and eat every day.

You can't possibly break free from these things.
Somehow, they will come at you. This is because your tank water is naturally
prone to things of such nature.

If by any chance the cloudiness in your goldfish tank
persists after all these tips, you should perform water change frequently or
probably contact the nearest veterinarian shop. Then you are good to go on your
journey to a crystal clear goldfish tank.

Read the original article at :
Cloudy Goldfish Tank: The Ultimate Guide To Get Rid Of It.

5 Effective Ways to Increase The Hardness of Your Aquarium Water

Basic Killer Tips on Aquarium Water General Hardness

5 Killer Ways to Soften Aquarium Water

Softening your aquarium water requires you to remove some dissolved minerals  that hardens your water. 

How do you soften your aquarium water?

What are the most effective methods  for softening your aquarium water?

I know you are probably eager to see how you can soften your
aquarium water right now but most times, 
the softness of aquarium water does not come first.

When you keep water hardness in consistent check, it may
also follow that you are also trying to determine whether the softness of your
water is still intact.

What am I talking about? I will dive in water hardness
first, then you can figure out how you can soften your aquarium water in the
subsequent heading.

How do you
determine whether your water is hard or soft?

There are many ways you can simply determine whether your
water is hard or soft. 

So, if you are unsure as to how to figure it all out. I will
show you how.

Local water company

Of course, this method may look like more of a Plan B than
the real thing but honestly, it is effective.

You can simply figure out your water hardness or softness by
asking any local water company around you.

Certainly, they should be able to find out whether your
water supply is hard or soft.

Soapsuds test

If you are a Do-it-yourself kind of person, you can simply
figure out the hardness or softness of your aquarium water by using the
Do-it-yourself method.

Out of other methods, it is the simplest and easiest.

This is because you are doing it yourself. You aren't
leaving your comfort zone. You aren't using any testing instrument nor asking
anyone about the state of your water.

So, how does it works?

• Get an empty and
  transparent bottle.
• Fill one-third of it
  with water from your aquarium.
• Add a few amounts of
  liquid soap and shake intensely for a few minutes.
• Your water is hard when
  there aren't any bubbles and the water looks milky. This is not the case
  for soft water. Your water is soft when there are a lot of bubbles and the
  water is clean from the bottom of the bottle.

Test kits

Well, the soapsuds test may be effective but it is not
always as accurate as you think.

During those inaccurate moments, you just need to embrace
some advanced test methods.

You may not know. Test kits would perform  the kind of magic you desire for your
aquarium water.

What's more? If you are still unsure as to what testing  kits really are. I will show you:

Test kits are available 
in liquid form, powder and strips. 

Still wondering about how you can use them?

• After filling a
  transparent container with water from your aquarium, insert the test strip
  for a few minutes and then remove it.
• Observe the color change
  in the water.Test strips always come with some color charts.
• If the color  change in the water corresponds with the
  colors in the color chart , chances are that your aquarium water is hard.

You can also  follow
the same procedure for the liquid and powder form. So, there you go with your
testing kit journey.

Hard water
species?

Unless you are just the persistent one who only roots for
soft water species, there are some species of fish that can actually thrive in
hard water.

What am I talking about?

Actually, you may not have to soften your aquarium water in
some circumstances.

This is because chances are that your fish may be the kind
that can thrive perfectly in hard water.

Why? They may be the kinds that grew in hard alkalinity
environment.

Sounds good? 

So, you may have to ignore the soft water thing by simply
choosing the hard water fishes. They are:

• Paradise fish
• Swordtails
• Archers
• Monos
• Mollies
• Platies and the likes

How do you
soften your aquarium water?

If you still think that soft water is the real thing for
your fishes, then you can simply go for it.

Maybe soft water is just what your species of fish really
need, there are varieties of ways you can soften your water.

Do not be surprised. Softening your aquarium water with
these various methods may mean changing your water sources to an expensive
source. 

Rainwater

Sure enough, softening aquarium water may be a bit
expensive.

If you want to escape this expensive scene, you can just go
for rainwater to soften your aquarium water. It doesn't cost you anything. It is
the gift of nature.

All you need to do is to make sure all your rain catching
system are very clean.

If you are going to employ large containers, ensure that
there aren't nearby chemicals and dirt that is hazardous to the health of your
fishes.

Peat Moss

Peat Moss is a common aquarium water softener for fish
owners. But well, there is a number of ways you can employ to apply it. I will
show you how.

Aquarium filter method

This method is quite simple. You can simply add the peat in
your aquarium filter so that it can flow freely in the tank.

Container method

This is simple but gradual. Figure out a clean but large
container and soak the peat in it for two weeks.

Purchase only non - additive peat. Also, the peat is prone
to contaminants.

Simply boil the peat to ward off contaminants. Add an air stone
to keep the water flowing.

 Driftwood

Maybe or maybe not, driftwood may not be as effective as
other ways of softening aquarium water but notwithstanding it is still a fine
alternative.

Driftwood will produce tannins in your aquarium water and
most likely, your water will change into brown color. It wouldn't harm your
fishes any way.

Reverse osmosis

Aside from rainwater, reverse osmosis is another way of
escaping the expensive scene. This method will soften your aquarium water.

It is not only economical. It is endowed with varieties of
benefits which are by far more than the ones you would get from rainwater.

Want to figure out those benefits? Keep reading.

• Reverse osmosis will ward off minerals from the water
• It will remove contaminants
• It will remove metals too

Water softening pillows

Like every other means of softening aquarium water, water
softening pillows is quite simple too.

It is considered the best method for softening aquarium
water is smaller tanks. 

You know what is great about this tool? You can always
recharge and use it for as much time as you can.

What's more?

All you need to do is to install a water softening pillow in
your aquarium filter, let the water flow through it and you are good to go. It
is that simple.

Conclusion

Now you have figured out how to soften your aquarium water.

Of course, you don't have to be an aquarium expert for you
to digest the tips above.

Being able to scan through these tips is more than enough
and it is going to play a huge role in ensuring a hassle-free journey for your
fishes.

Let me say this straight, it is not only humans that deserve
a healthy life. While you deserve a better healthy lifestyle as a human, your fishes
deserve more.

So whichever way you are going to tend your fishes, ensure
you pay close attention to the hardness of your aquarium water.

Read the original article at :
5 Killer Ways to Soften Aquarium Water