need to learn more about water type - hard - soft?

[LMOUTHBASS]

This is something I have largely neglected since I got into the hobby a few years ago. I have not had problems however with my fish from water conditions. I have a test kit that can check these things but it didn't make sense to me.


Can someone give me a break down of the PH ranges and what is considered hard water and what is considered soft. Also what's the difference between alkaline water and acidic water?

What are some common examples of fish that thrive in either types of water (common community type fish)


Thanks for your help this is one thing i want to understand to take better care of my fish and make sure in the future I introduce fish in to the tank that like the same condiotns.

 

[slipknottin]

http://www.skepticalaquarist.com/

There is enough information there to keep you busy for weeks. :dance :soda:

Heres a more direct link to what you want to know, from thekrib.com http://faq.thekrib.com/begin-chem.html