Hi,
I have noticed that where my hood collects water and then drips down the back of the tank, there seems to be a build up of limescale. Does this mean my water is likely to be very hard? I have a piece of bogwood that heavily stains the water and have read that this may soften the water slightly. Is the best way to soften wayet to filter it over peat?

Thanks

I have this problem too and I know for certain that my tap water is on the hard side. It doesn't seem to have any detrimental effects though, and I just avoid any soft water fish.

I had heard that peat filtration can help but isn't a wonder cure. My LFS sells (soft) water, and lots of people buy enough water for their weekly water changes from there although I thought this would be just a bit too much hassle for myself

i use a water softerner pillow from API/Rena

the quickest way to soften water is with a reverse osmosis unit but they cost a bit and waste a fair amount of water.
You can use ion exchange resins but they cost as well.
Filtering water through peat will do the job too but is slow.

Just accept your water is hard and don't worry about it.