how do i know if my water is hard or not?

[UM3R]

can someone help. i cant figure out if my water is hard or soft.

is there some sort of test i need to carry?

 

[FrankSlapperinni]

yes. go to your LFS and buy some hardness test strips.

 

[Sinuhe]

I'd recommend buying liquid tests, they are usually more accurate . Get a test called GH to measure general hardness, and KH for carbonate hardness. GH is what's usually mentioned when a fish breed's water requirements are discussed. KH tells about the buffering capacity of the water. (Correct me if I'm wrong)

 

[CrystalClear]

Do u have hard water if your fish's scales are turning a shimmery tint green? How do u get rid of the greeness? Anyone know?

 

[Alien Anna]

Do u have hard water if your fish's scales are turning a shimmery tint green? How do u get rid of the greeness? Anyone know?

I have never heard of this in my life. It's certainly nothing to do with water hardness - that's the chalk you find in your kettle and often (if you have hard water) on the rim of your aquarium. Annoying stuff.

 

[CrystalClear]

uhmm.. well thanx! I guess it's not hard water.. uhmm i guess it's natural? but thanx for helping!