Hardness Of Water?

[hoppybunn]

I was just wondering, the water I have now is about moderate hardness, I plan on cycling a new tank, is there a way to get soft water from tap water? Or should I use bottled water? Thanks.

 

[WILDER]

http/www.drhelm.com/aquarium/chemistry.html

 

[Bloo]

The link Wilder gave you is really good. What do you consider "moderate" - mine is very high at around 17gH and 12 kH, but all my community fish are happy and healthy.

I'd advise that you stay away from chemicals to try and alter your water. Certain fish such as Rams & neons don't fare well in such hard water (as mine) but if you only have moderate hardness, I'd say you'd be absolutely fine with just about anything

What do you plan on stocking your tank with ?

 

[Sheridanp]

So wait, you boil the water and it gets hot. Then you just wait till it cools down?

 

[hoppybunn]

The link Wilder gave you is really good. What do you consider "moderate" - mine is very high at around 17gH and 12 kH, but all my community fish are happy and healthy.

I'd advise that you stay away from chemicals to try and alter your water. Certain fish such as Rams & neons don't fare well in such hard water (as mine) but if you only have moderate hardness, I'd say you'd be absolutely fine with just about anything

What do you plan on stocking your tank with ?

Hmmm well the strip I use to test nitrate/nitrite/ph/hardness and such doesn't give you a range. I shall go to the store tomorrow to buy a test kit that does, because I'm curious. The test strip I have now says my hardness is moderate. I am actually not sure as to what I want to stock my tank with, something colorful but non marine . I have bala sharks and rosy barbs and a pleco in my 30 gallon that do fine in moderate hardness, they are all happy and healthy fish. I was just curious because if I wanted to get something like a ram, I might need softer water.