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My adolfoi have lost their barbels a while ago (more than a year), is there still a possibility of regrowth with better water conditions.
I think they lost their barbels during a period with bad water conditions (which led to infections?), and the water conditions now might not be good enough to regrow. They do not seem to be hindered without barbels. They have even laid eggs.

Water conditions now ph8, gh 12, no NO2 and NO3.
Bought an RO machine so I am now lowering both ph and gh.
I have pool filtration sand as substrate, plants, wood and (recently) catappa leaves.

Their barbels are not shortened, but entirely missing. Will softening the water, and keeping it pristine help regrow barbels? Or do you think they will never regrow?

Experiences or tips are appreciated

I had a rescue sterbai once that had no barbels when I bought it. With good food and a better habitat they grew back but were a little stunted. I once had a trilineatus who lost his entire tail due to rot. It rotted all the way back to the body. I treated with Kanaplex and, much to my surprise, the whole thing grew back bigger then ever!

Feed a healthy varied diet and keep the water good and anything is possible. Best wishes! -Mike

Generally speaking, fish regenerate more than we, humans, do.

I once had a Nannacara with the tail bitten off. It did regrow a tail, with a fin, but it was very smal. Still, compare this to a human loosing a foot...

Thanks, good to know! I'll update if I see new barbels.