jan
New Member
Posts: 13 
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Post by jan on Nov 8, 2017 8:38:29 GMT -5
Hello, I am setting up a 5 gallon betta tank and have a question about water. I have read in one of Carl's articles that water softened by a home water softener should never be used for an aquarium. We have a home water softener that does all the water in the house. There is no way to access the water before it goes through the softener. So what are my other options for good water?
Thanks for your help!
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Post by devonjohnsgard on Nov 8, 2017 14:13:56 GMT -5
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jan
New Member
Posts: 13
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Post by jan on Nov 8, 2017 15:02:07 GMT -5
Hi Devon,
Thanks for your reply! What do you mean by outside water? At a place in our town, I can buy spring water by the gallon. You fill your own jugs. It is state approved and has no additives. They also sell RO water for 10 cents a gallon more. Would one be better than the other? I would prefer to use the spring water if it would work and I wouldn't have to remineralize it. We are trying to keep costs down and I would like to keep it simple if possible. Thanks for your help! I really appreciate it!
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Post by Carl on Nov 8, 2017 16:31:39 GMT -5
By outside water, Devon likely means from a faucet.
Most homes with whole house water softeners do not have their outside faucets attached due to plumbing issues and the fact that using softened water in ones garden can really run up the costs.
As for spring water, often what is sold as this is not really and is missing key minerals, so make sure to check the label and then test the water with a GH & KH test kit/strip
Carl
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jan
New Member
Posts: 13
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Post by jan on Nov 8, 2017 17:33:28 GMT -5
Thank you for your reply, Carl. I am pretty sure our outside faucets are attached to the water softener, but I will check again.
As for the spring water, I bottle it myself. They have faucets set up in a small building and you put in your quarter and out comes the spring water! I had called and they say it comes from a spring but I will double check that. So if it is pure spring water, I can use it as long as GH and KH levels are fine? What levels am I looking for with a test kit?
Thanks!
Jan
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Post by devonjohnsgard on Nov 9, 2017 13:09:30 GMT -5
Yes, I meant faucet!
If you use Spring water, just make sure to use Alkline buffers and GH boosters. AAP recommends SeaChem Alkinity and Wonder Shells.
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Post by Carl on Nov 15, 2017 10:45:55 GMT -5
So if it is pure spring water, I can use it as long as GH and KH levels are fine? What levels am I looking for with a test kit? Thanks! Jan About 50 ppm KH and 150+ ppm GH for Bettas Carl |
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