harder and akaline

[hurdledude1298]

how do u make your water harder and more akaline and are these the same things?

[xhibition]

proper ph 8.2 or seachem cichlid salt.

[NatakuTseng]

Cheapest and easiest way to go is using baking soda and epsom salt. Epsom salt raises the hardness, while baking soda will raise the pH of the water. A little baking soda goes a LONG way. 1 teaspoon per 10gal should do you, and with epsom salt, throw in a handful per 20gal at each water change. I would only add the baking soda every other water change.

[RTR]

Hardness used without any modifier refers to the calcium and magnesium content of the water, or in hobby terms, the GH.

Alkalinity refers to the buffering ability of the water, or the carbonate/bicarbonate content of the water, or in hobby terms, the KH.

Nataku's suggestions for boosting each are usable, but I would suggest adding either or both to change water, never directly to the tank (asking for osmotic shock). And use GH and KH tests to monitor the changes.