I would like some advice on the preparation of water for my weekly water change. I keep Amazon species (discus and tetras) which require a pH that is acidic so I require a low kH.
I have a water filter that gives me distilled water but I read that this is not good as the fish require certain minerals which can be obtained from tap water. To work around this I mix 75% distilled water with 25% tap water in a separate tank which I cycle with peat moss and bog wood for a week before doing my water change to ensure no chlorine is left. This has given me a fairly stable pH of 6.7 but what I would like to know is if there are any additives which I can use to ensure that the discus get all the right minerals without raising the kH too much.
My two main concerns are that the fish might not get enough trace elements in the way I am currently preparing my water or that I can get a pH crash over time.
I do not have access to a petshop where I can get RO water on a regular basis.
Any advice would be appreciated.
Cheers
OJ
I have a water filter that gives me distilled water but I read that this is not good as the fish require certain minerals which can be obtained from tap water. To work around this I mix 75% distilled water with 25% tap water in a separate tank which I cycle with peat moss and bog wood for a week before doing my water change to ensure no chlorine is left. This has given me a fairly stable pH of 6.7 but what I would like to know is if there are any additives which I can use to ensure that the discus get all the right minerals without raising the kH too much.
My two main concerns are that the fish might not get enough trace elements in the way I am currently preparing my water or that I can get a pH crash over time.
I do not have access to a petshop where I can get RO water on a regular basis.
Any advice would be appreciated.
Cheers
OJ