Water softeners and lizards don't mix?

[Jhussey]

I was at the pet store today getting the dogs some food and I over heard this guy argueing with the shop keep about how since the pet store uses a water softening system and then puts that water into bowls for their reptiles that's why his, I think he said water dragon, died after a week of owning it. Now I've never heard this before, though I've never owned a water softening system either. Anyone ever hear of this?

[fishmommy]

softener systems strip out minerals like calcium and magnesium and replace them with salt (or potassium if you use that)

I doubt it's lethal, except to orchids.
of course, you need those minerals and so do your pets, so make sure there are other sources available.

[cschneider]

That's interesting. I got a ball python about month ago and he won't eat. I wonder if it has anything to do with my water softener??? I'll have to do some research on that.

[Foschi Exotic Serpents]

It makes sense but I don't know for sure. I do know that softened water is bad for aquarium fish for the very reasons stated here. They require the minerals and calcium. I think maybe long term it may be bad. Maybe more so for something that is designed to spend more time in and around water.

Definately try to find some more info on this. its interesting.