is it o k to use tap water for your fish tank ?read details?

Question

i live in pei and we dont have much chlorien in our water. it is drinkable from the tap ,so i was just wondering if that would be ok for my goldfish.

Answer 1

Actually tap water is fine, but its best to let it sit for a day or two in a bucket (the key here is that you want lots of water to air, a tiny opening would trap all the stuff in the water). A lot of things in water that's not good for fish will just go away if its exposed to air, so that's why letting it sit first helps. Plus that helps with warming the water up, since you don't want to use hot water. If you use hot water, more chemicals can be added from your water heater, plus it might come as a shock to your fish, just like water that's too cold would.

Answer 2

Yes you can use tap water but you will have to let it sit to let all the chlorine settle out. I have a Betta fish and this is what I did. I bought a gallon jug of water. Used that the first time. Then I filled it up with tap water and let it sit until I needed to change the tank again. The water will be ready in about a week. This is the best way so you don't have to keep using bottle water.

Answer 3

You can take a sample to your local pet store. Many/most will test it for you and let you know how it is.

Even if the chlorine is low, you should use a chemical to remove it (Easy Balance is great), or let it stand for a while (depending ont he amount). Chlorine leaves the water when exposed to free air.

In a 90G tank I have I fill the water that evaporates with water off the tap and it is fine. The % of chlorine is so low (vs 90Gs) that it is of no consequence. o it also has to do with the size of the tank and how much water you replace/add.

Another thing to watch out for is the PH on the water. The store should test that for you. Or you can test. Closer to neutral (PH 7) is best.

Answer 4

I use tap water in my fish tank. But you have to keep a little bit of the old water in because they don't like it when you change the water. I also use a water conditioner to get rid of the chlorine in the water and this biological aquarium supplement for the water filter.

Answer 5

Hi, to be on the safe side I would by some kind of a anti bacterial liquid that removes harmful little microbes and such that may be in the water.I have two fantailed goldfish and I use an anti chlorine and microbe liquid in the water I use to put the fish in and so far they are florishing well.(knock wood). I hope Ive given you a good tip. Rubberstampr

Answer 6

I would strongly recommend getting your tap water tested with a water tester, just so you know where your tap water is currently and where you need to get it to.

I live in Colorado, and the first time I tested my water it was straight from the tap. I did that so I would be able to figure out if it was fine the way it was or if I needed to alter something. My water is practically perfect.

Answer 7

It won't kill the fish outright, but it wouldn't cost that much for some water conditioner. It'll be healthier for your fish. Besides removing chlorine, a water conditioner will help the overall health of your fish. Check out your local pet store or petsmart.com

Answer 8

Not much isn't quite the same as none. If it truely isn't much you could get away with it but for the safety of the fish it would be better to allow it to set out for a day before using or add dechlorinator drops.

MM

Answer 9

It should be fine. If you are worried, there are drops you can buy to add to tap water. They are called water conditioners; there are several brands to choose from, including Aqua Plus.

Answer 10

Let the tank sit with water in it with no fish for a day or two.