Page 1 of 2
Understanding water hardness
Posted: Tue Sep 09, 2025 7:52 pm
by kozeki
My tap water's super hard, like 300 ppm GH. I've got a planted tank with Tetras and a Betta. Should I soften it, or just let them adapt? I'm worried about the plants too, they're mostly Anubias and Java Fern.
Re: Understanding water hardness
Posted: Tue Sep 09, 2025 10:04 pm
by zenzero
Hard water can be tricky. Tetras and Bettas prefer softer water, but they can adapt if the change is gradual. For plants, Anubias and Java Fern are pretty hardy. What's your KH level? That'll affect pH stability.
Re: Understanding water hardness
Posted: Wed Sep 10, 2025 12:26 am
by blazekid
zenzero wrote: ↑Tue Sep 09, 2025 10:04 pm
Hard water can be tricky. Tetras and Bettas prefer softer water, but they can adapt if the change is gradual. For plants, Anubias and Java Fern are pretty hardy. What's your KH level? That'll affect pH stability.
Yep, KH's key. My tap's 200 ppm GH, 80 KH, and my Betta's chill. I use RO water for top-offs to keep it steady. Plants are fine, just gotta watch for mineral buildup on the leaves.
Re: Understanding water hardness
Posted: Wed Sep 10, 2025 4:36 am
by tidesur
I'd say let 'em adapt. My community tank's got hard water, and everyone's thriving. Just avoid sudden changes. Maybe add some driftwood to help soften it naturally over time.
Re: Understanding water hardness
Posted: Wed Sep 10, 2025 8:37 am
by zenfox8
300 ppm's wild, dude. My tap's like 150, and I still mix in RO. Betta's happy, plants are green. You might wanna cut it with RO or distilled if you're worried.
Re: Understanding water hardness
Posted: Wed Sep 10, 2025 9:10 am
by muddy
Hard water's not the end of the world. My Guppies love it, but Tetras might be fussy. How often do you do water changes? Maybe smaller, more frequent ones could help.
Re: Understanding water hardness
Posted: Wed Sep 10, 2025 1:14 pm
by PureAddict
muddy wrote: ↑Wed Sep 10, 2025 9:10 am
Hard water's not the end of the world. My Guppies love it, but Tetras might be fussy. How often do you do water changes? Maybe smaller, more frequent ones could help.
Totally agree. I do 20% weekly, and my Tetras are fine. Just keep an eye on 'em, ya know?
Re: Understanding water hardness
Posted: Wed Sep 10, 2025 3:47 pm
by FableRyde
If you're gonna soften, do it slow. Sudden drops in hardness can stress fish. RO water's a good call, but remineralize if you go full RO. What's your pH like now?
Re: Understanding water hardness
Posted: Wed Sep 10, 2025 8:21 pm
by kozeki
Thanks for the advice, everyone. I'll test KH and pH tonight and maybe start mixing in some RO water gradually. Appreciate the help!
Re: Understanding water hardness
Posted: Wed Sep 10, 2025 8:21 pm
by kozeki
Thanks for the advice, everyone. I'll test KH and pH tonight and maybe start mixing in some RO water gradually. Appreciate the help!