A Very Informative New Friend

Tonight, Christy and I went to a "Meet & Greet" for the new members of the Service Guild of which my wife is a member. While there, I met Hugh Hammer, the professor who oversees the Aquatic Science Department at Gadsden State Community College. We talked extensively about my aquarium. I expressed my concerns about not having enough nitrous wastes resources. He told me that my tank should be in excellent condition (I'm not so sure).



Since I am looking at getting a freshwater clam, some japanese trapdoor snails, and some japonica amano shrimps, I want to make sure that the general hardness and carbonate hardness of the aquarium is suitable for these new inhabitants. Hugh recommended that one of the easiest ways to increase hardness was by adding one teaspoon of baking soda when doing water changes. By doing this, I would be increasing the carbonate hardness and it should make the tank more suitable for the anticipated new inhabitants.