I don't understand again (lol). Why do they have less light?
Dun, what test kit do you use? API?
I have well water. All my fishes seem to do extremely well in it. I never have to add anything to it except for a little sodium bicarbonate and Kent's calcium for my shrimp. I even can water my orchids and other temperamental plants with it without any build ups or ill effects.
about the light and maybe a couple other things that might come up... this isn't exactly, 100% going to be a walstad tank. there will be differences obviously when you start adding things like more filtration, water changes, column ferts, etc., etc..
seems more along the lines of a t. barr low-tech/non-co2 tank, really. in this event the rules of how you get there are really your own as long as you provide everything necessary. you can add co2 slightly or through excel, add filtration to keep things a bit cleaner, add water column ferts to make up for what the sediment lacks instead of having to know the exact makeup of your soil, etc., etc.... so, lighting doesn't have to be limited. however, done right you will be increasing growth and maintenance vs. not adding ferts and extra light most likely.
yes, mine is an api hobby kit, unfortunately. :shakehead:
sounds like you have some soft, fine, tasty well water.

mg: must be nice. :cry: my water's soft, but not that clean...