What Can You Do About Hard water?

[lgreenmk]

I just got testing strips for my tank. Everything checked out OK, except it reads that I have VERY hard water (reading 250). Is there anything I can or should do about this?

 

[guppymonkey]

There really is no point to trying to soften your water. Every time you do a water change its going to become hard again. Also, by adding chemicals to try to soften the water you will be adding to the stress your fish are under possibly killing them.

 

[lgreenmk]

When I did my water change this afternoon and when I started my new tank tonight, I used distilled water. The reading is already better. We'll see how it goes. I think I will continue to use distilled water (dechlorinated).

 

[bettabuddy]

If you are going to buy distillted water, a cheaper alternative (in the long run) is to buy a R/O ( Reverse Osmosis) water treatment unit. They are a little pricey but the good ones will remove 99% of all disolved substances. I use a mixture of tap water mixed with R/O water.
Hope this helps.

 

[zantetsuken]

Speaking about water softener. I actually have one for my tap. Is that bad to use that type for aquarium water?

 

[Lithril]

I'm pretty sure I've read on this forum that adding bogwood to your tank will soften the water.

 

[Alien Anna]

I'm pretty sure I've read on this forum that adding bogwood to your tank will soften the water.

Yes, bogwood can help some, as can pre-filtering your water through pure moss peat. But don't expect miracles - it can help a little.