How to harden water??

[seagull]

The water for my axies is too soft
the general hardness is less than 30ppm
is there any way to harden it?
my environmental science teacher suggested dissolving a tum in the water but idk how safe that is

 

[LSuzuki]

A generally accepted way is to use some crushed coral. It isn't safe as a substrate, so what you can do is put some in a stocking or sock (nylon or something that doesn't rot) and put it in the tank. Alternatively, you can put it in the filter if you have a canister (think about how you are going to clean it though.) If the water doesn't get hard enough, add more. If too hard, take some out. It will raise the pH also.

 

[seagull]

It isn't safe as a substrate

what would be a good substrate??

 

[LSuzuki]

Um, is "sand" the answer you are looking for?

Some fish keepers can use crushed coral loose on the bottom, but it isn't safe with axolotls. Too many sharp edges, and they will accidentally eat it. So to use it in an axolotl tank, you need to keep it contained, like in a stocking.

 

[seagull]

Um, is "sand" the answer you are looking for?

but i'm assuming i can't use just any old sand??

 

[Cacique]

Inert aquarium sand, anything safe for fresh water without fertilizers. You can also use playsand and pool filter sand. I use pool filter sand myself and am quite happy with it.

 

[LSuzuki]

Some people have reported problems with some inert aquarium sands (having sharp edges), so check out whatever you are interested in getting before you get it.

(Sorry for not understanding that your question was serious. :happy