Best way to soften water ?

[fish don't sweat]

I once visited a place in Scotland that was growing koi imported from Japan, they had thousands in great big tanks. It was a long time ago, but if my memory serves me right the people there were adding dairy salt to the water to lower the PH. I don't know exatly what PH I have here ( I will get a test kit this week ) but I know it's high. What's the most efficient method to lower the PH ?

Thanks

[sweetshannon]

You really need a test kit.
A high, but steady PH is better than a Ph that is raised with chemicals and may drop or fluctuate. That is very hard on the fish.

[Sabine]

They added salt to treat for parasites or injuries, most likely. There are many benefits to adding a certain amount of salt to a goldfish tank - but it won't lower the pH. Something you wouldn't want with goldfish anyway.

[fish don't sweat]

You really need a test kit.
A high, but steady PH is better than a Ph that is raised with chemicals and may drop or fluctuate. That is very hard on the fish.


I will test the water supplies I have by the weekend. I have access to pond water, well water ( hard) and rainwater.
I will have to keep my fish indoors for much of the year. The summers here are really good, but the winters are long and hard.

From what I can gather the volume of water is important. Do you think that chest freezers full of water would be a good idea ? I was thinking that I could easily adapt freezers into efficient filters.

[thomasn]

most chest freezers aren't water tight, you could use epoxy to seal it.

there are cheaper ways to DIY a filter anyway.

[fish don't sweat]

there are cheaper ways to DIY a filter anyway.

Please tell me.

[thomasn]

Please tell me.

endless designs (http://www.google.com/search?q=diy+aquarium+filter&btnG=Search&hl=en&safe=active&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla%3Aen-US%3Aofficial&sa=2) out there, canister, trickle tower, sponge, wet/dry ...

[cowiche ponder]

are you talking a tank or pond? How handy are you? there are lots of DIY stuff for ponds, I am not so familiar with DIY for tank/aquarium use.

[fish don't sweat]

are you talking a tank or pond? How handy are you? there are lots of DIY stuff for ponds, I am not so familiar with DIY for tank/aquarium use.


I can make most things. I'm talking of ponds and tanks, I thought the principle was the same for both ?:confuse1:

[fish don't sweat]

You really need a test kit.
A high, but steady PH is better than a Ph that is raised with chemicals and may drop or fluctuate. That is very hard on the fish.


The PH here is 9.0., that's well water. I have a natural pond that's about the same. Nitrites are zero. Do you think they will do ok with such a high PH ?

[bekko]

The guys in Scotland were using salt to recharge a water softener. See the thread about lowering pH.

-steve