The Puffer Forum

Guys, I am new to keeping GSP and am now setting up and cycling my brackish tank for about two weeks before I get my fish. I tested my water this morning, the salinity is spot on, the pH is right where it needs to be, BUT my water hardness is off the charts! it's way to high even though I have spring water from a backyard well. Will the puffers be ok in the hard water or should I be using softening pillows for it? I don't necessarily want to add a bunch of the chemicals to change anything, so I basically want to know if young GSP will be ok in this water.
Thanks a lot,
Mia

Hard water is perfect for BW tanks!

If you are testing brackish water with a GH (general hardness) kit it will be off the chart. You'll need to only test for KH (carbonate hardness) with a KH test kit.

JRC3, what KH am I going for, when I tested, that aspect wasn't as high as the hardness, but it was still up there. Where is the safest level for puffers? Thanks guys!

I never test for either.

Ok, I will just keep an eye on it then...seems like it would be alright. Also, do you know if live sand can survive in brackish water that's 1.008-1.01 SG?

Nope, 1.018 or higher.

and can GSP survive in that high salt content when they are small? I thought they had to be in 1.01 or lower.

mkeaton wrote:JRC3, what KH am I going for, when I tested, that aspect wasn't as high as the hardness, but it was still up there. Where is the safest level for puffers? Thanks guys!

KH of 200-400ppm would be in the ideal range for brackish water puffers.

mkeaton wrote:and can GSP survive in that high salt content when they are small? I thought they had to be in 1.01 or lower.

viewtopic.php?f=5&t=15647

Thanks so much, I appreciate it guys!

I do check the KH of low to moderate BW systems. The marine mix dos not have sufficient KH to keep me happy below !.012 or a bit higher. Mid-level BW and above is likely to be okay on carbonate hardness. Low-end BW is at risk, especially at the levels used for F-8s.