General Care Discussion :: Leaf matter and water hardness

[sperez3]

So my water has been quite hard so I've been researching economical ways to keep it down. First, I took out the cuttlebone. I give small pieces with their food so that I'm not adding calcium to the tank. I got a better filter also and was looking at things to put in it and I was hoping to find something to aid in water hardness and I found some thing on oak leaves and aquariums. Here is an article on it
http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=w ... VPltMdAdHA
Anyone know anything about it?
Any opinions ?

[Kansasslider]

Hmmm, not sure about leaves in a tank but you could try peat moss in your filter.

http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm ... 6&aid=2744

[devilduck]

Other than the annoying mineral buildup in your tank and on the turtle shell, hard water is harmless to turtles. You can clean up your tank using a razor blade and vinegar. The build up on your turtle's shell should go away once they shed.

The only real solution to reduce water hardness is by mixing your tap water with RO water.

[sperez3]

Wonderful Kansasslider! I didn't even think about what my plants might need.

[sperez3]

Thanks devilduck. I just feel bad seeing the build up on the turtles shells.