Thanks to all of you for encouraging my livebearer/plant tank. It
seems all I have left to do is try it :). For those who wondered, I
prefered soft water because a) my tap water is usually soft and its easier
not to mess with changing it and b) I have another tank with soft water,
cardinals, etc. and would prefer the conditions be somewhat similar so if
I moved plants between them the shock would be limited.