Aragonite and Fluorite?

[Steve]

I have about 20 lbs of aragonite left over from my salt tank. I'd like to reuse it and mix it with some fluorite as a substrate for a planted fw tank. Is this possible? Can I use a bit of aragonite (1-2mm) in a fw tank? The tank is 75 gl.

Thanks,
Steve

[RTR]

That all depends on your water pH, GH, and KH, and where you want it to be. Aragonite is what I suggest folk use (small quantities in mesh bags in a filter) to harden excessively soft water. I also use it as substrate for hard-water fish such as Rift Lake cichlids, and for pH/hardness support in light brackish water (for BW puffers).

Depending on quantity and water current exposure, as sole substrate it will bring the pH eventually as high as 8.2 and the hardness in the hard to very hard ranges.

[Steve]

Thanks for the info. I want to keep Angels, so I think 8 would be too high a Ph for them. I think they also like soft water.

[cpr4cpu]

yes, angels like a softer water. Mine do well in 7.0, and have had a few broods of young.

I have strictly gold angels and I keep them in a South American Blackwater tank with peat moss in the filters to take out the calcium and magnesium that can affect the eggs and prevent fertilization. The tea colored water really brings out the irridescent blues in the fins too, something not easily seen under normal aquarium lighting.