GH very soft

[smm333]

I have well water and my GH is very soft. It hasn't been a problem with my current tanks ( African dwarf frogs bettas, honey gourami, male endlers snails), but I have a platy tank set up  and I am concerned as I would like babies. I read that they are pretty hardy and adaptable, but  on the aquarium co-op site it says most fish are fine in 6.5-8 with livebearers liking it harder. I'm nervous that I haven't even hit the 6.5. I added a wondershell yesterday.  I don't want to go crazy and change parameters too quickly. Should the wondershell be affecting the water yet? Any other ideas? The fish seem happy and are swimming and eating well.

[Jennifer V]

I can't speak about gh as my water has extremely high gh coming from the tap but I am having an issue with low pH and kh in one tank. What I have learned is any modifications take time so you may want to monitor your parameters for a few days before making any other changes. 

[smm333]

On 12/4/2022 at 1:11 PM, Jennifer V said:

I can't speak about gh as my water has extremely high gh coming from the tap but I am having an issue with low pH and kh in one tank. What I have learned is any modifications take time so you may want to monitor your parameters for a few days before making any other changes. 

That is definately my concern. I added the smallest wondershell and now I'm hovering with the test strips like a helicopter mom, lol! I'm going to watch it this week and pick up crushed coral on Friday if needed.

[Fish Folk]

@smm333 Here is my frank approach to this . . . take it as you like it. First off, I wouldn't try to chase specific parameters. Go with the water you've got, and see if they'll reproduce for you. Just be patient.

(1) Set up your tank with lots of healthy live plants

(2) Buy a mix of male and female Platys you want

(3) Feed them well, and water change 20% per week.

In time, babies will come. You can go from 7x to 70x in a 10 gallon within months. I have witnessed this with joy many, many times.

Of course, if you had harder waters your fish might do better in certain respects. But when you think about how Platys thrive outdoor in rainwater tubs filled with immeasurably soft water, I do not think you need to fret here.

You can add a different sort of temporary hardness (KH) by tossing in a cup of crushed coral per 10x gallons if you want. 

[smm333]

I didn't know platies did well outdoors. That makes me feel better. I just want them to be happy and do well. When I saw that my water wasn't even on the chart it freaked me out. Maybe they will be ok as is. I will keep my eye on them and the water parameters. I just don't want them to to have any problems.

[EvesFishJourney]

On 12/4/2022 at 12:11 PM, smm333 said:

I have well water and my GH is very soft. It hasn't been a problem with my current tanks ( African dwarf frogs bettas, honey gourami, male endlers snails), but I have a platy tank set up  and I am concerned as I would like babies. I read that they are pretty hardy and adaptable, but  on the aquarium co-op site it says most fish are fine in 6.5-8 with livebearers liking it harder. I'm nervous that I haven't even hit the 6.5. I added a wondershell yesterday.  I don't want to go crazy and change parameters too quickly. Should the wondershell be affecting the water yet? Any other ideas? The fish seem happy and are swimming and eating well.

In my experience, wonder shells are great! They usually dissolve fully into the water within a few days. They’ll add some of that additional hardness you need and also keep your water crystal clear. They’re also great for adding calcium for keeping your snails shells healthy and strong, and same with your shrimp if you have any. If the wonder shell doesn’t add as much GH as you’re wanting, definitely look into adding some Seachem Equilibrium. I’ve had pretty good luck with that in the past. I know API has a similar product that will increase hardness, though I can’t remember the name off the top of my head. Best of luck! 

[smm333]

On 12/4/2022 at 11:02 PM, EvesFishJourney said:

In my experience, wonder shells are great! They usually dissolve fully into the water within a few days. They’ll add some of that additional hardness you need and also keep your water crystal clear. They’re also great for adding calcium for keeping your snails shells healthy and strong, and same with your shrimp if you have any. If the wonder shell doesn’t add as much GH as you’re wanting, definitely look into adding some Seachem Equilibrium. I’ve had pretty good luck with that in the past. I know API has a similar product that will increase hardness, though I can’t remember the name off the top of my head. Best of luck! 

Thank you! i like the look and the ease of the wonder shell. Equilibrium is on my list to check out. I was going to see if my local fish store sells it because petco and petsmart don't.