Which water is best for planted aquarium?
When choosing the best water for a planted aquarium, it is important to consider the various factors that can affect the health of the plants, fish, and other creatures that live in the aquarium. The water chosen will have an impact on the quality of the environment and the well being of the inhabitants.
Let me start by saying never collect water from a roof. This is a terrible idea - it's loaded with contaminants like bird poo and disease and then site in barrels of water for months on end. It's the fastest way to introduce parasites into your aquarium so avoid at all cost.
When choosing the best water for a planted aquarium, the first factor to consider is the pH level. pH stands for “potential of hydrogen” and is a measure of how acidic or basic the water is. The ideal pH level for a planted aquarium is between 6 and 6.8. Water with a pH level that is too high or too low can lead to a decrease in plant growth or even death of the plants. It can also affect the health of the fish, as some fish species are more sensitive to changes in pH than others.
The second factor to consider is the hardness of the water. Hardness is a measure of the amount of minerals present in the water. Hard water has a higher mineral content than soft water, and this can affect the growth of plants and the health of the fish. Soft water has fewer minerals, and generally what aquarium plants want. Soft water, low pH.
The third factor to consider when choosing water for a planted aquarium is the amount of dissolved oxygen in the water. Dissolved oxygen is important for the health of the fish and other creatures that live in the aquarium. Low oxygen levels can lead to stress and illness in the fish, while high oxygen levels can be beneficial.
The fourth factor to consider is the temperature of the water. The ideal temperature for a planted aquarium is roughly 24C. Temperatures that are too low or too high can be harmful to the fish and other creatures that live in the aquarium.
Tap water although contains chemicals that can be harmful to plants and fish is what most hobbyists use and what I recommend. A decent quality dechlorinator like Neutro Pure removes any impurities. Reverse osmosis water is the best choice for a planted aquarium, as it has been filtered to remove most of the harmful chemicals and it is free of chlorine and other contaminants. However, it then needs to be built up as it's unstable (and quite wasteful too). For every 1 part of RO, you waste 3-4 parts of water and for that reasons, tap water is my number one choice.
In summary, when choosing the best water for a planted aquarium, it is important to consider the pH level, hardness, dissolved oxygen, temperature, and light levels of the water.. Taking the time to consider these factors will ensure a healthy and thriving environment for the plants, fish, and other creatures that live in the aquarium.
