The Planted Tank Forum - View Single Post - Would this be considered a good way to raise hardness?

**acitydweller** · 10-16-2012, 10:10 AM

I'd skip the calcium carbonate(cuttlebone) as it would raise KH as well as GH. Magnesium sulphate (MgSO4) or Epsom salt will raise GH without altering KH. Used in a ratio of 1:3 with CaSO4 (Calcium sulphate) or plaster of Paris. Use 1 part MgSO4 to 3 parts CaSO4 to make your own GH booster.

Expense isn't so much of an issue as effort and time because the cost of these materials would likely last longer than a $18 bottle of shirakura CA+.

10-16-2012, 10:10 AM	#3
acitydweller ओं मणिपद्मे हूं (View User Tanks) PTrader: (123/100%) Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: New York, NY Posts: 6,042	I'd skip the calcium carbonate(cuttlebone) as it would raise KH as well as GH. Magnesium sulphate (MgSO4) or Epsom salt will raise GH without altering KH. Used in a ratio of 1:3 with CaSO4 (Calcium sulphate) or plaster of Paris. Use 1 part MgSO4 to 3 parts CaSO4 to make your own GH booster. Expense isn't so much of an issue as effort and time because the cost of these materials would likely last longer than a $18 bottle of shirakura CA+. __________________ Namaste ओं मणिपद्मे हूं My life extends far beyond the limitations of me Keeper of the LIST