Re: [Killietalk] Hardness of water?

[Wright Huntley <whuntley at verizon_net>]

Hi again LD,

Little Dude wrote:

> Hey, I have been wondering about the hardness of water for quite some 
> time.  I was hoping you guys can give me a better understanding of it.  
> Like what does it mean?  What does it do for your fishes?

My favorite description of the origins of the terminology of "hardness," 
for those who don't want a degree in chemistry, can be found at:

http://www.thekrib.com/Plants/CO2/hard-slu.html

This is a nice, well-written, simple explanation that everyone should 
read at least once.

To answer "What does it do for your fishes?" That would require a major 
text on physiology.

The short version is that dissolved minerals are essential for cell 
metabolism and maintenance of proper osmotic pressure difference across 
cell walls. Rain water, RO water, and particularly DI or distilled water 
are "dead water" that are lethal to most fish if not tempered with salts 
of the right kind. [Some hardness (Ca++, Mg++) is needed or Na+ may be 
pretty poisonous, for example.]

Wright

PS. The Krib is a very-well-edited summary of net fishy knowledge that 
is pretty trustworthy. Recommended.

--
Wright Huntley - Rt. 001 Box K36, Bishop CA 93514 - whuntley at verizon_net
                    760 872-3995

          Important things we should remember:
  [and weren't taught in mandatory government propaganda camps]

    The Declaration of Independence was written on hemp paper!

http://www.archives.gov/national_archives_experience/declaration.html



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