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	Water softeners
amackattack Enthusiast Posts: 299 Kudos: 84 Votes: 0 Registered: 18-Dec-2001	We just installed a water softener in our house. We're attempting to be nicer to our skin and appliances. However, I would like to be nice to my fish as well. Can I use this water (from the water softener) in a fw tank with live plants. I did not think it would be a problem, but then thought the higher level of salt might be a problem. Please help, don't want to kill fish or plants. Thanks, Alec
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:19
garyroland ---Prime Fish--- Posts: 7878 Kudos: 4010 Votes: 103 Registered: 31-Dec-2001	The mineral ions in the water are exchanged for salt ions and the slurry expelled by the water softener... If you tasted the water you'd never know, in a softener operating properly, that there was salt being exchanged. Some salt ions may escape into the water but not enough to fill an ant's stomach. --garyroland.
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:19
amackattack Enthusiast Posts: 299 Kudos: 84 Votes: 0 Registered: 18-Dec-2001	How can I tell if the softener is working properly? I was told that the "softened" water should not be used for watering house plants. Is that correct, or does the same theory apply? How is the pH buffering affected by the ion exchange? Thanks, Alec and his fishies
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:19
garyroland ---Prime Fish--- Posts: 7878 Kudos: 4010 Votes: 103 Registered: 31-Dec-2001	Water softeners are designed to exchange calcium and magnesium ions for salt ions... In so doing, minerals are removed from house (tap) water and the end result is a "soft" and slippery feel to the tap water. Those who have a high mineral content to their tap water or those who have a well water supply really appreciate the softened water for clothes washing and bathing. You can test your pH and let us know the results. --garyroland.
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:19
Wolfie8113 Mega Fish Posts: 947 Kudos: 159 Votes: 0 Registered: 09-Apr-2002	Water softeners don't affect the KH of the water... your pH should be the same with or without the softened water.
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:19
garyroland ---Prime Fish--- Posts: 7878 Kudos: 4010 Votes: 103 Registered: 31-Dec-2001	To some degree that is true... We're dealing with carbonate and bicarbonate ion concentrations (KH) in the pretreated water. The water softener should not affect this concentration but will affect the calcium/magnesium ion concentration, as it should, and alter the pH to some degree. --garyroland.
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:19
amackattack Enthusiast Posts: 299 Kudos: 84 Votes: 0 Registered: 18-Dec-2001	I will check the pH and hardness levels when I get home. Alec
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:19
Bob Wesolowski Mega Fish Posts: 1379 Kudos: 1462 Registered: 14-Oct-2004	Alec, You should have a "bypass" setting on the water softener. If you have concerns with the loss of mineral content. You can use the "bypass" setting for your water chnages. Oh, be sure to change the setting when you are finished to ensure the whitest whites in your clothes! __________ "To steal ideas from one person is plagiarism; to steal from many is research." researched from Steven Wright
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:19
garyroland ---Prime Fish--- Posts: 7878 Kudos: 4010 Votes: 103 Registered: 31-Dec-2001	Water softeners always have "by-passes" installed... But not for the purpose you mention, Bob. All water softeners have a "recharge" dial that can be set to recharge after so many gallons are used. It takes time to discover if the conditioner "recharge" is set correctly to "soften" the water. Water softeners do not completely strip the mineral content of the household water. --garyroland.
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:19
trystianity Mega Fish Posts: 1028 Kudos: 926 Votes: 49 Registered: 20-Mar-2004	I use water that comes through my water softener on my tanks with no ill effects at all, if anything my fish seem "happier" with the softened water. The only time I might be a bit concerned is if you were keeping salt sensitive fish, but even then it probably wouldn't be a problem. I have kept otocinculus in softened water with no problems.
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:19
garyroland ---Prime Fish--- Posts: 7878 Kudos: 4010 Votes: 103 Registered: 31-Dec-2001	"The only time I might be a bit concerned is if you were keeping salt sensitive fish, but even then it probably wouldn't be a problem."... You just claimed something and then disclaimed it in the same sentence. Is that what they call "double talk"?? --garyroland.
Posted 26-Jan-2006 11:19


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