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Re: Ion exchange water softener
>Could some one, please, explain to me why water softened by ion
>exchange water softener should not be used in fresh water aquarium.
>Even at 440ppm hardness, the process adds only about a tea spoon of
>salt per five gal of water, about the same amount recommended by some
>to add anyway!? A clear explanation will be much appreciated.
First, a water softener exchanges ions required by plants (Ca and Mg)
with an ion that is NOT required by plants (Na). So , if you wish to
have a planted tank, you will need to add back some Ca and Mg.
Otherwise, your plants could become Ca and Mg deficient. However, it
has been discussed here before about using KCl instead of NaCl. Plants
need K, but you would still need to add Ca and Mg.
Second, the addition of NaCl is recommended by those who raise
mollies. Other fish don't need it, and neither do plants. Mollies
would do quite well in your hard water, if that's your goal, without
adding salt. Most plants and fish will do just fine in unsoftened
water.
Using softened water won't be detrimental to your aquaria, but there
isn't any advantage to using it, either.
Regards,
Mark