"Nitesbane" wrote in message
...
Hi. I have a 55g planted tank (low light). My tap water isn't exactly
ideal for my community fish or my plants (pH about 8, GH ~250ppm), and
I'd
like to use distilled or RO water instead of using peat moss or water
softeners that would change the color of my water. What is a good mix
of
tap water to distilled/RO water? And which is better to use (is there
significant difference?) distilled or RO? Thanks a bunch.


It will depend on which is more readily available. How much do you want
to bring it down? Like the effect on you water, it's a question of
degrees. Plants can be extremely adaptable. I've got Amazon Sword,
Madagascar Lace, a Crypt, some Nymphoides, Java fern, Hornwort and a few
others in well-water which varies from 6 to 35dgH (I allow the tank to go
from 6 to about 24dgH). For reference, you are at 14dgH. My pH is
always 8.4pH. The plant's growth rate & pattern can be significantly
different. For example, I prefer the look of the Lace in hard water, as
the leaves are broad, low and horizontal providing a 'roof' for fry,
whereas the leaves are thinner and vertical in soft water. The Amazon,
Hornwort, Crypts and Nyphoides don't appear to grow any differently (in
shape), but the Nyphoides grows significantly slower, and the Amazon &
Crypt slightly slower (Java fern growth is cm per year). Hornwort is
pruned by the foot. I'd be inclined to leave your water as is if your
changes were only for the plants.

What type of fish do you have? If they are acclimated to your current
conditions, I would also be inclined to leave it alone. Regular water
changes will keep it fresh, and without messing with the chemistry, you
should have no stability issues. If the fish are acclimated to softer
(or harder) water, then you can make a diluted mix to meet them halfway
for a few weeks. I've found that Discus do poorly above 7.7pH (probably
somewhat due to the local conditions they were raised in, so ymmv).
Unless you are planning on breeding, many fish would adapt to 8.0pH. I
have Clown & Yoyo loaches in 8.4pH, and I'm sure they are listed as soft
acidic water fish (Mekong river China I think).

Plant growth will soften your water (removes calcium) and acidifies it as
well (as rotting debris). Many types of driftwood will not tint your
water, but will still slightly soften it. If you are at a low fish load,
lots of plants and some driftwood, you might find that everything settles
in nicely after a few months.

As for the web site's recommendations, I too like California weather, but
I live in Canada ;~)
--
www.NetMax.tk