The DiscuSoft tester is designed to indicate water softness in the fresh water aquarium with instant readout.

WHY DO WE TEST WATER SOFTNESS?
Water softness is an important parameter for certain tropical fishes especially the Chiclid family, Cardinal tetras etc. Although these fishes can survive well in hard water, they cannot breed in such environment. Discus, for example, is one such fish that requires soft water to breed and spawn. Concentrations of below 100µS or about 3-15dH water hardness are most suitable. The success and pride of an aquarist is to see their prized fish breed and multiply in their aquarium!

Apart from breeding concerns, there are other benefits of controlling water softness. When water is hard, it could mean the chemical or waste loading in the water is increasing, which is the cause of cloudy water. This results in an unnatural and hostile environment for the fish.

Control of water softness also means reduction in scaling of the aquarium and filtration system like the water pumps. It is very expensive to service water pumps. If they get choked or if the water lines are narrowed, the pumps overwork and finally break down. Therefore, maintaining water hardness will prolong the life of the pump.

A WINNERS TIPS
Checking water softness gives you the winning edge on fish competition. Adjusting water at the competing site to the same softness as your local tank water will reduce stress on your fish, thus presenting its best form for the show.