Ideal conditions for an aquarium are a holy grail, and an impossible dream. But you can get close.
Whatever water you have is your current ideal. If you want better, you may have to move....
Get an analysis, or do one with a proper test kit (The API master test kit is too limited). Know your hardness and pH. Then hit the books, or reliable online sites like Seriously Fish or fishbase, and look for species that come from very similar conditions. Success is not in technology, but in knowledge.
It's a myth that captive bred fish don't care about water - they have not adapted that quickly or conveniently, although a lot of people say it. Some fish come into the hobby as generalists who adapt to most water, and myths have grown from that.
It takes a little self discipline to avoid buying soon to be unhappy fish. But the info's good if you look for it, and if you do regular water changes on a weekly basis, ideal can be in range.
Whatever water you have is your current ideal. If you want better, you may have to move....
Get an analysis, or do one with a proper test kit (The API master test kit is too limited). Know your hardness and pH. Then hit the books, or reliable online sites like Seriously Fish or fishbase, and look for species that come from very similar conditions. Success is not in technology, but in knowledge.
It's a myth that captive bred fish don't care about water - they have not adapted that quickly or conveniently, although a lot of people say it. Some fish come into the hobby as generalists who adapt to most water, and myths have grown from that.
It takes a little self discipline to avoid buying soon to be unhappy fish. But the info's good if you look for it, and if you do regular water changes on a weekly basis, ideal can be in range.