Total dissolved solids and soft water fish

[OnyxFishies]

How well do "soft water" fish (Like neons, discus, ect...) deal with a fertilized plant aqaurium? (Do they live full lives, do they breed?)

I've been doing a little research on soft water fish: I'm getting another tank, and was thinking I would stock fish that would thrive and possibly breed in my water. (Soft) I also would like to have the new aquarium planted. I've come to realize that in regards to the water conditions that fish prefer, "soft water" really means that the fish prefer a low amount of total dissolved solids. (Thanks Happychem!) I also know that a fertilized aquarium has a wide variety of small ammounts of micronutrients, and a significant amounts of the Macros. (significant compared to the micronutrients)

My thinking of this: fertilizers = dissolved solids. Am I correct? Does the ammount of ferts in a well rounded tank translate into a significant ammount of dissolved solids in regards to what a fishes natural habitat would have? In other words, would the ferts mean a less than optimal tank for say, Neon tetras? (for example)

I'm thinking that the ammount of ferts in the tank really doesn't ammount to a hill of beans compared to all the salts in hard water, but heck, I'm the newbie here. So, I'm asking. I also realize that fish do not need to be in a "perfect" tank, but I think it would be challenging and fun to try to match the tank to the natural habitat as closely as practical. (I do NOT want to play chase the pH or some such, just looking for practical ways to match the tank to the habitat.)

Or maybe I'm just "nukeing" it. :p

[Cearbhaill]

Unless you are actually hatching eggs in the tank you don't have to be so concerned with softeness or dissolved solids- the fish themselves will do fine. Most "soft water" fish aren't bred in planted aquaria- they require a dedicated species tank where funcionality is key and aesthetics not an issue. As raising the fry means daily vacuuming and extra clean water, barebottomed tanks are best for endeavors of this sort.

I keep Discus and Cardinal Tetras in a planted tank and fertilize quite a bit and all do very well. But to expect spawning (and much less actually raising fry) in there is completely unrealistic.
And if I were doing a real South American biotope tank there would be no plants- just tree roots and leaves- and you still couldn't raise the fry.

"Remember: No matter where you go, there you are." -- PigKiller
That line is from Buckaroo Banzai!!

[RTR]

Agree w/Toni.

[plantbrain]

They both have bred for me in harder water(GH 9, KH 5.5).
Yes, the tanks are fully planted.
If your goal in max brood, barebottom tanks and lots of food will maximize that, if your goal is to have both, it can and has been done.
Do not expect high yields etc vs breeder's specializing in bare bottom tank/heavy feeding.

I do 2 simple things, good diet, great plant health.
I've kept Cards/Rummies and other's at very high hardeness, GH 24 and KH's at 10+ and they did well.

Regards,
Tom Barr