Water Hardness

Ghost · Sep 6, 2007

I've had a read of the axolotl.org website and I was wondering if anyone has had any experience with using softer water. Also if anyone is adjusting there hardness at all?

My tap water is about 80ppm general hardness but I add "hardness up" to make it about 180ppm. I would like to know if this is absolutely necessary? It would be great if 80ppm hardness is enough for my axie, then I can save $$

Daniel · Sep 6, 2007

I have made the experience that it is not only the hardness itself but also a change of water conditions.
As I moved from one town to another my axolotls got some problems with fungus although the new water was "harder" than at my old home. After some weeks they acclimated to the new conditions (I cannot tell you any measures, it is too long ago) and now I have no more problems.

By the way: are there any statistics on the "preferred" water hardness for axolotls?

Abrahm · Sep 6, 2007

Phoenixtear said:
By the way: are there any statistics on the "preferred" water hardness for axolotls?

From axolotl.org

Axolotls prefer somewhat hard water, and those that live in soft water will often suffer from temporary anaemia - the animal becomes pale and its gills lose their colouration for a few minutes or hours.

Central America and Mexican lakes are moderately hard and have a somewhat alkaline pH. This is similar to the natural conditions of the axolotl as it comes from the same region. With all the captive breeding of this species it seems to be (have become?) quite adaptable as far as water parameters are concerned.

Ghost, can you test for your Carbonate hardness? I am thinking your water parameters are fine, but knowing your KH (carbonate hardness) will give us an idea of how well buffered your water is and thus how resistant to pH changes which can be quite stressful.

Ghost · Sep 12, 2007

My carbonate hardness is 10ppm to 20ppm.

Would you recommend slowly phasing out the usage of "hardness up"?

Abrahm · Sep 12, 2007

Yes, I would recommend slowly phasing out the hardness up. In general it is not really necessary and will just make it harder for you to keep your water parameters steady. I would do this slowly so the axolotl has time to adjust to the changing water conditions. Of course you could keep using this product as I doubt that it is problematic.

One thing I would do that should make your life, and your axies, easier is to raise the carbonate hardness. This can be done simply by adding a bag of crushed coral or limestone to your filter or to the resevoir where you hold your water before adding it to the tank. The increased carbonate will help buffer the water and prevent massive pH shifts. I wouldn't add the carbonate hardness increaser until you have stopped adding the Hardness up.

Ghost · Sep 12, 2007

I've tried raising the carbonate hardness before with my other tank (only fish) ages ago but I found that it was making my pH levels shift up and was hard to keep stable. So I gave up on playing with carbonate hardness.

I'll certainly phase out the hardness up and then I'll try the carbonate hardness.

Thanks for the info!

Jennewt · Sep 12, 2007

With soft water, you may find that the tank tends to shift toward acidic pH. You should check pH regularly, even if you stop using the hardness product.

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