'Bettas prefer soft acidic water'

[kaitie]

I see this said a lot. And I see a lot of people (through social media) recommending very soft water for bettas. And yet here I've learned how important gH is for the health of fish.

I guess my question is what are the facts? Is there truth to betta thriving in softer water or is that just what people keep saying incorrectly? How much is too much?

The misinformation is driving me crazy.

[Carl]

This is a problem only of late since most information (including search results) are driven by "social media influencers". These people often are great at gaining popularity, but often (although not always), have little real experience and science background.

Back to your question is the waters betta come from can vary greatly, but in general they due indeed come from softer water. However there are mineral Cations in this water that if one attempts to replicate in an aquarium by typical methods, would drive out essential mineral Cations.

the best way I can answer this question is with this article:
www.americanaquariumproducts.com/chemistry.html

Admittedly this is a long article, but for me to summarize it would do it injustice as it IN FULL explains why there is a need for mineral Cations and how so many aquarium keepers, including influencers, get confused on this admittedly complicated subject

[Carl]

These articles also should be helpful:

www.aquarium-pond-answers.com/2016/01/use-of-ro-di-softwater-in-aquariums.html


www.aquarium-pond-answers.com/2006/12/how-do-fish-drink.html