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Hardener salt combination for Malawi-cichlids - Component A
The Lake Malawi water is basically relatively soft. It stands out for its nearly complete lack of dissolved CO2 and consequently its quite high pH-value.
Experience with Malawi-cichlids showed that they are far more sensitive to low pH-values than to any other water value irregularity. Therefore it is essential to apply appropriate technical measures (and sufficient water exchange) to maintain the CO2-proportion and pH-value in the desired (low or alkaline) range which is necessary for the usually high stocking rate (due "social" reasons: suppression of aggressions).
But very seldom such soft water or reverse osmosis water is available (raw water is not unsuitable - as it contains a high concentration of e.g. nitrate, phosphate and pesticide) making hardening necessary
But then not just any hardener combination should be added, but a special composition which takes the needs of the fish and the water values in Lake Malawi into account.
Basic information
Lake Malawi water practically only contains hydrogen carbonates apart from tiny amounts of chloride and hardly traceable amounts of sulphate. If you plan to imitate pure Lake Malawi water, you would have to use hardly soluble magnesium- and calcium carbonate as hardener salt contents.
But these salts do not dissolve within an adequate period of time and therefore the desired alkaline pH-values can never be achieved.
The solution is the conception of a 2-component-combination; Combination A for the (hydrogen) carbonate in an easily soluble form - Combination B for the corresponding cations is also an easily soluble combination
Herewith, the desired pH-value and desired hardness is achieved with only a slightly higher total salinity (compared to the original Lake Malawi water).
Ingredients
Component A: 59.8 % Hydrogencarbonate, 21.5 % Sodium, 11.4 % Potassium, 7.3 % Carbonate
Both components A and B have to be dissolved separately and are only to be mixed directly before adding them to the tank.
They should be diluted as much as possible, so no clouding due to undissolved calcium- and magnesium carbonate can occur.
Component A is relatively alkaline when it is not yet dissolved and should therefore be kept from skin or even mucous membranes (eyes!) In case of doubt, rinse with fresh water. Also refrain from inhaling the powder.
Dosage see web site
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