Rainwater remineralisation

[Lee-cee]

Hi. New here and (fairly) new to the shrimp world. Had red cherries for years and they seem to be indestructible. (Even have them living happily in tang water.) I'm embarking on my very first proper shrimp tank. Its set up and almost ready to go. Wondering about remineralisation. I have some of those mineral balls available for me to use. Am I right to assume I still need to use a product like salty shrimp in addition to the balls to get the water right? TIA

[2OFUS]

What shrimp do you plan on keeping in the new setup ?

[inverted]

Yes.....if you plan on keeping Crs or Tb's. Get yourself a tds meter too.

[Lee-cee]

 I'm thinging a different colour variation of neocaridina since I've got cherries and they aren't as sensitive as the others. Then once I've got everything under control some tibee.

Ok thanks inverted

[Lee-cee]

If I keep just neos would cutting tap water with rain water and the addition of mineral balls be sufficient?

[jayc]

+1 to TDS and other test kits.

 

The Neos might be okay with rainwater + tapwater mix and some mineral balls.

But you're just playing a guessing game without test equipment.

 

If you can't get all the test kits at once, get them slowly over time.

I'd start with the TDS pen - I find it very useful.

If you are starting out a new tank and it needs to cycle, then Ammonia and Nitrate kits are a must. I left out Nitrite, since I find that less useful.

pH kits are also standard.

GH and KH kits are next, and people don't get these until a problem arises, but then it's too late.

[Lee-cee]

Thanks for the reply. I have all that except the TDS pen. Still looking into brands and prices.

[Lee-cee]

The tank is rain water and its

Kh 10ppm

pH 6.4

Gh 30ppm

Straight tap water is

Kh 60ppm

pH 7

Gh 150ppm

TDS unknown

[jayc]

If I were you, I'd just use that tank water, and remineralise with Salty Shrimp GH+ bought from one of the forum sponsors.

Forget tap water. Tapwater mixed with tank/rain water will raise the GH, but it is made up of stuff you don't want in the aquarium.

[Lee-cee]

Ok thanks

Guess I'm placing another order with John then :)

Edited March 6, 2015 by Lee-cee