Cardinal Tetras And Hard Water

[sirichmond]

Hello,

Just deciding on what will be my first fish once my tank has cycled and would ideally like either cardinal tetras or neon tetras to start. There is one problem though living in York UK we have very hard water, after testing I have a GH of 220mg/l which puts me in the very hard territory. Have heard that its quite hard and even harder to turn your hard water into softer water and keep it that way so I'm going to try and stick with hard water. Will these fish be OK with hard water? and if not any ideas of what fish I could start with.
Cheers
Simon

 

[Bigpig]

Hello,

Just deciding on what will be my first fish once my tank has cycled and would ideally like either cardinal tetras or neon tetras to start. There is one problem though living in York UK we have very hard water, after testing I have a GH of 220mg/l which puts me in the very hard territory. Have heard that its quite hard and even harder to turn your hard water into softer water and keep it that way so I'm going to try and stick with hard water. Will these fish be OK with hard water? and if not any ideas of what fish I could start with.
Cheers
Simon

I would avoid both as they prefer a mature tank. Mybe get some hardier fish first then try card/neons. Also card IMO are nicer

 

[millym]

hi
as bp said they do prefer a mature tank.

as for the hard water i live in central london & the water is horrible stuff it doesnt get much harder in the uk, we've had our cardinals for over 4 and a half years ( we have 6, 5 originals, one newie to replace a poor guy who died after getting trapped behind an old co2 thing i had a while ago). they always have been healthy & look very happy. if you decide to get some when your tank is mature i would advise you to get your cardinals from a shop in your area that will have the same or similar water to you have at home ( as compared to getting them delivered etc)
beautiful fish!

we also used to have neons ( just as gorgeous) but gave up with them losing them to neon tetra disease.

i wouldnt try fiddling with the water to make it softer - just it can be difficult if you dont know what your doing & just makes life more complicated.
we also have rummy nose tetras which are also supposed to prefer 'softer' water & we again have had ours for 4 years or so & no problems, they are also gorgeous fish.