Do Anabantids {Paradise fish, Gouramis} like natural rain water??

Question

Should I leave out a bucket to collect the rain? Is this rain water more healthier than tap water?? Thnks.

Answer 1

If you live in a city, this probably isn't a good idea, since rainwater from cities contain lots of pollutants that might be fatal to fish. HOWEVER, paradise fish and (most) gouramis prefer soft(50mg/l) and acidic(pH 6-6.5). In most cities, tapwater tends to be hard, and neutral to alkaline so this might be a bit of a problem. To solve this, add tap water that has been passed through and ion-exchange column, which draws minerals from the water or use a reverse osmosis(RO) system. Making the water acid is MUCH MUCH easier, all you have to do is add a bit of peat moss(availible in garden supply stores and sometimes in pet stores) the filter or to the bucket of water when you change the water(if you add it to the bucket, take the moss out after 10-20 minutes!). Some aquarists also add bogwood to the tank. The problem is, peat mosss and bogwood both can turn the water a bit yellow, but it's completly normal.

Answer 2

I wouldn't use rainwater, too much pollution. You can use some reverse osmosis water or add some driftwood to add tannins that the gourami like. There are also additives you can use to simulate their natural environment, but be careful adding too much to water. Fish prefer a stable environment over a perfect, but changing environment.

Answer 3

Barbs, sharks and diverse semi-aggressive fish that dont have overly long fins and are able to hold their very own. Angels are a no yet german rams are helpful, they only get aggressive on an identical time as they are breeding so as that they are helpful (actual be certain your water circumstances are spot on) diverse dwarf cichlids are ok as acceptable on an identical time with kribensis or bolivian butterfly in all risk diverse semi-non violent cichlids on an identical time with blue acaras? choose this facilitates! solid success!