APT Sky

APT Sky is a specialized General Hardness (GH) booster and shrimp mineralizer developed by The 2Hr Aquarist. It is designed to restore essential minerals—primarily calcium and magnesium—without altering other critical water parameters such as KH (carbonate hardness), pH, or macronutrient levels (NPK).

This makes APT Sky ideal for use in aquariums where pure water sources like RO (Reverse Osmosis) or RODI (Reverse Osmosis Deionized) water are used, and where precise control over water chemistry is essential.

Why General Hardness (GH) Matters

General Hardness measures the concentration of calcium and magnesium ions in the water. These minerals are vital for:

• Supporting osmoregulation in fish and invertebrates
• Ensuring healthy molting and shell development in shrimp and snails
• Promoting vigorous plant growth and preventing deficiency-related symptoms
• Enhancing the stability and resilience of the aquarium ecosystem

Without sufficient GH, aquatic life may suffer from stress, poor health, or inhibited growth. This is especially common in tanks using RO or RODI water, which lack all minerals by default.

Why Choose APT Sky?

• For RO/RODI Water Users
  APT Sky is specifically designed to reintroduce beneficial minerals into mineral-free water, restoring balance while keeping other water parameters stable.
• For Shrimp and Invertebrate Keepers
  Species such as Caridina, Neocaridina, and aquatic snails rely on sufficient calcium levels for proper exoskeleton and shell development. APT Sky delivers these minerals in a safe, bioavailable form.
• For Planted Tank Hobbyists
  Softwater plants often thrive in lower KH and pH environments. APT Sky increases GH without interfering with pH or CO₂ stability, allowing greater control over water chemistry.
• For Balanced, Flexible Dosing Regimens
  APT Sky complements other 2Hr Aquarist fertilization products like APT Complete and APT Zero, giving aquarists the flexibility to manage GH independently of nutrient dosing.

Key Benefits

• Raises GH without impacting KH, pH, or NPK
• Provides bioavailable calcium and magnesium in optimal ratios
• Sodium-free formulation to prevent long-term salinity buildup
• Ideal for aquascapes with mixed livestock and sensitive plants
• Enables healthy plant growth and stable shrimp molting

Application and Use

APT Sky is typically added to RO or RODI water before a water change. Dosing depends on the desired GH level, which varies by tank type:

• Planted tanks: typically 4–6 dGH
• Shrimp tanks: typically 6–8 dGH

Use a GH test kit to monitor and fine-tune mineral levels as needed. APT Sky dissolves easily and integrates seamlessly into established maintenance routines.

What if I Don’t Use RO or RODI Water?

Even if you’re not using RO (Reverse Osmosis) or RODI (Reverse Osmosis Deionized) water, APT Sky can still be highly beneficial—especially in regions like New Zealand, where tap water is naturally soft and often lacks sufficient levels of essential minerals like calcium and magnesium.

Soft water typically has a low General Hardness (GH), which can lead to a range of issues in both planted and shrimp tanks if not addressed. APT Sky provides a precise way to increase GH and introduce the right mineral balance into your aquarium—without altering KH or pH, which is critical for stability in CO₂-injected or softwater setups.

Why You Might Still Need APT Sky in New Zealand

1. To Rebalance Soft Tap Water
New Zealand’s tap water often contains minimal GH, making it less than ideal for many aquatic plants, shrimp, and snails. APT Sky allows you to elevate mineral levels safely, bringing your water closer to optimal conditions without affecting other parameters.

2. For Shrimp, Snail, or Sensitive Fish Health
Invertebrates like Neocaridina and Caridina shrimp, and snails such as Mystery or Nerite, need consistent calcium and magnesium for healthy shell and exoskeleton development. Soft water alone often doesn’t provide enough. APT Sky supplies these minerals in the correct ratios, improving vitality and reducing issues like failed molts or shell erosion.

3. To Prevent Nutrient Deficiencies in Plants
Plants in low-mineral water can develop calcium and magnesium deficiencies, which manifest as twisted new leaves, weak stems, or overall poor growth. APT Sky helps to strengthen plant structure and improve nutrient uptake, especially in fast-growing or high-demand aquascapes.

4. To Maintain Control and Consistency
Even if your water source is consistent, APT Sky gives you greater control over your tank’s mineral profile, allowing you to tune GH independently from KH and pH—an essential feature for planted tanks using CO₂ injection, where lower KH and stable pH are preferred.