Using this method is ideal for aquariums with plants that would use the excess CO2 since acid buffers are used to convert KH into carbon dioxide which would result to lower KH, controlled pH and increased CO2.<\/p>\n

An excess amount of CO2 will not be a safe environment for aquatic animals, that is why this method should be applied at a slow moderated pace. You have to constantly check both the KH and CO2 to make sure that everything is balanced.<\/p>\n

Mixed tap and distilled water<\/h3>\n

Imagine the distilled water as a blank canvass, free from KH and other impurities, the amount of tap water that you put in the mixture would determine how much KH is going into your aquarium.<\/p>\n

This has been proven to lower the KH in freshwater aquariums, distilled water is available in most grocery stores and is usually affordable by the gallons but if you are changing your water tank every week then it might be a bit costly.<\/p>\n

Create your own pure water<\/h3>\n

You can purify your own water by using the RO (Reverse Osmosis) system or the DI (Deionization) water filter.<\/p>\n

RO systems will allow you to remove all contaminants as well as the minerals in the water and add the exact amount of what you just need. DI water system removes most ions from the water, contaminants as well as minerals, giving you high purity water instantly.<\/p>\n

These filtering systems are not only used for reefkeeping or aquarium maintenance but are widely utilized for whole houses, restaurants, and faucets since it is one of the most extensive filtration method available in the market.<\/p>\n

You can even consider it as an investment since the setup and installation of the system might be costly but once it’s in place, you will surely be saving a good amount of money.<\/p>\n

Indian almond leaves to release tannins<\/h3>\n

<\/p>\n

The Indian almond leaves are known for their medicinal value and as an aquarium water conditioner, especially for betta fish and shrimp tanks.<\/p>\n

It is grown and harvested throughout the tropical regions of Asia, Australia, and Africa. People used to import these leave directly from the source but now they are widely available online or even in some local pet\/fish stores.<\/p>\n

Once the leaves are completely dry and turned brown, you can add them to your water. The Indian almond leaves will then start to decompose, releasing a yellowish or brownish colour to the water, that\u2019s when you know that tannins are being released.<\/p>\n

Tannins will then start to consume the KH, slowly lowering it down. The slow decrease of KH might urge you to keep adding more leaves to speed up the process but that would be a risky move and you could end up lowering the KH too much and affecting the pH level in the process.<\/p>\n

Make sure to monitor the KH and pH level while doing this so you don\u2019t end up putting your inhabitants in a dangerous situation.<\/p>\n

Peat moss to release tannins<\/h4>\n

<\/p>\n

First, make sure that you will be using the organic type and not the ones treated with fertilizers, aquarium safe and not garden peat moss for it could be harmful to your aquatic inhabitants. Peat moss is a collection of dead and decayed moss that accumulated at the bottom of bogs.<\/p>\n

It can be used as a substrate in your aquarium or placed in a mesh filter and let soak in the tank. Because of its dark brown colour, it will give your aquarium water a brown shade once it starts to dissolve.<\/p>\n

To minimize or prevent the discolouration of the water in your aquarium, you can boil the peat moss for an hour and let it cool, discard the coloured water and repeat the process until the colour is clear.<\/p>\n

Start with a small amount, monitor the changes in pH and KH level each time to add and make sure that you will not go below the recommended level of KH and pH. The general rule is that you should not go lower than 2dKH and stay within neutral pH which is 7pH level.<\/p>\n