Very Hard Water, 8.8 Ph, What Plants Won't I Kill?

[justbinB]

I've been fighting a losing battle with plants. I have excellent lighting and constant temperature, and mature aquariums but I can't keep plants alive. I can't tell you about anything but the pH, and that I get crusty deposits on my tank/heater/filters within a couple days of setting them up. I've been through quite a few plants, they'll do well for about a month (or at the most two) then develop dark spots on the leaves and stems and rot away right in front of my eyes. I can't really adjust the pH, my water's so hard it buffers right back to the original pH within a few hours, and I'd rather save my fish the stress of constant pH swings. I'd love advice, names and pictures of plants that will live in these conditions. I don't recall what I've tried off the top of my head, it's been quite awhile since my last attempt. An alternate water source isn't an option, the whole valley I live in is the same way and I'm not going to buy water (and have no way to haul it even if I did).

Thank you!

Justin.

 

[snowflake311]

The only one that comes to mind is Anubias.

AND Crypt petchii

Both are hardy and do well with low to moderate light.

 

[aaronnorth]

I have excellent lighting and constant temperature,

not sure what levels "excellent" are but high levels require CO2 and nutrients. to work out the levels:

total watts / us gallons = watts per gallon

Also take into account the diamter of the tube.

and that I get crusty deposits on my tank/heater/filters within a couple days of setting them up.

that is diatoms (a form of algae) caused by undetetcable ammonia. Hence why they are seen at the start of a tanks life.

I've been through quite a few plants, they'll do well for about a month (or at the most two) then develop dark spots on the leaves and stems and rot away right in front of my eyes.

like abpve, maybe you need CO2 & nutrients, but also check to see if they are aquatic. Also, some plants are grown emersed so they do die back then regrow aquatic leaves.

I can't really adjust the pH, my water's so hard it buffers right back to the original pH within a few hours,

good because there is no need to

and I'd rather save my fish the stress of constant pH swings.

mine (as do many others) go through a swing of 1pH everyday, they also experience this in the wild.

 

[Super Dude]

i think the crusty material you speak of isn't algae. judging from your water conditions, it's likely mineral buildup. what colour is it?

 

[justbinB]

i think the crusty material you speak of isn't algae. judging from your water conditions, it's likely mineral buildup. what colour is it?

I believe it's mineral buildup. After about 5-8 years water heaters in my home are almost full of flaky mineral deposits, its so bad that they need to be thrown away or cleaned out (believe me, that's a chore). The deposits are white and very hard, and need to be scraped off with something sharp.

 

[aaronnorth]

i think the crusty material you speak of isn't algae. judging from your water conditions, it's likely mineral buildup. what colour is it?

I believe it's mineral buildup. After about 5-8 years water heaters in my home are almost full of flaky mineral deposits, its so bad that they need to be thrown away or cleaned out (believe me, that's a chore). The deposits are white and very hard, and need to be scraped off with something sharp.

its limescale so if you use vinegar or lemon juice etc then it is easier to remove and less chance of scratching the glass.