Dechlorinators & water hardness

[Strogg999]

I recently read (although I cant remember where!) that dechlorinartors aren't ideal for axolotls and can pose long term health probs? They recommend the best way to go is to boil then age the water rather than use a dechlorinator. Is this the best approach or can I carry on using the dechlorinator?

Also I'm wondering what you guys use regarding establishing water hardness? Again what would be the best approach here as my local water is rather soft?

Ed

 

[Darkmaverick]

Hi Ed,

Dechlorinators are not harmful to axolotls. They are the recommended way to go if you use tap water that contains added chlorine and chloramine. Some people choose to leave tap water standing over a period of time. This allows chlorine to dissipate but not chloramines. In addition, the period is also dependant on temperature etc. and thus variable. I recommend dechlorinators.

Axolotls do better in hard water. Water chemistry test kits are available which allow you to test for water hardness. You can also bring a sample of water to your local aquarium which can do the testing for you. In general, unless you are using distilled, R/O water etc., it is less likely that you have extremely soft water.

As soft water can cause a myriad of problems including transiet anaemia, skin and gill damage etc., you can increase water hardness by addition of freshwater aquarium salts. Even so, this procedure is usually unnecessary and in the event that you really wish to increase water hardness, just add very minimal amount. I have included a link from axolotl.org for salt recipes.

http://www.axolotl.org/requirements.htm#hardness

Regards

 

[Della]

Hi,

Can you define "hard water" in terms of ppm for KH/GH. I have been hunting around the forum and the web and haven't been able to find any specifics for axys.

Cheers

Paul

 

[SludgeMunkey]

• Very soft: 0-70 ppm, 0-4 dGH
• Soft: 70-140 ppm, 4-8 dGH
• Slightly hard: 140-210 ppm, 8-12 dGH
• Moderately hard: 210-320 ppm, 12-18 dGH
• Hard: 320-530 ppm, 18-30 dGH
• Very hard >530 ppm, >30 dGH

I keep my axolotl tanks in the 300-425ppm range.

 

[Mark]

Here's a useful water hardness map for folks living in the UK. For specific readings your best option is to contact your water supplier.

For tips regarding axolotls see here.

 

[Darkmaverick]

Mark that is a fantastic map. I would try obtain one for Australia, i think it would be a useful tool.

Regards

 

[AxYlOvEr]

Certain salts you can buy can get the water harder, as axies do better in hard water.
And...sorry to steal your thread, but my water's pretty hard, I live in the south-west of the UK, and if you look on that map then I'm in the red area. How do I get my water more soft, or is it ok that it's quite hard?
Sorry again!

 

[Jennewt]

Another way to make water harder is to add some form of calcium carbonate to the tank. It dissolves very slowly and releases calcium into the water. Common sources are calci-sand, a seashell, a piece of limestone, bird grit, etc. Just don't overdo it.

It's not easy to make water softer. Your options would be adding peat to the filter (you can find peat pellets made for this purpose) or diluting your water with rainwater or distilled water. It's hard to say if it's too hard, unless you can measure the hardness and give the values. It's probably not something you need to worry about.