The first problem to solve was how to soften the water with the least effort. I decided to use a rechargeable ion exchange softening pillow, which is placed in the filter box. Using a five gallon container and an extra power filter, I softened the water to levels that could not be measured by my test kit. I also added Blackwater Extract to the softened water. The softening process takes about one and a half to two hours per five gallons.
Prepared water is stored in five gallon bottled water containers with lids.
When I had prepared enough water, I changed the water and observed any changes. Within 48 hours the fishes natural color returned and they became active and hungry again. Softening the water appears to be a very important factor for maintenance of healthy fish. The next problem was how to acidify the water. Down to the water till I reached a pH of 6.0 to 6.2.