The tap water went from pH 7.2 to 6.0 in a matter of days. Should I use bottled water?

Question

My betta did not do well in his short term home then I tested the water at pH 6.0 or under. The water I added to his aquarium later was at 7.2. What I mean is that I don't know why the tap water is fluctuating. It's possible my landlord has a water softener. Can I use bottled water?

Also, is it safe to add baking soda to my goldfish change water to increase the pH? I bought a pet store product that kills plants so I don't want to use that.

Answer 1

A water softener can lead to conditions that would produce a lower pH, that's certainly true. In many areas tap water is drawn for surface water, lakes, rivers stream etc. These surface waters can and do change rapidly and frequently, especially after a time of significant rain. Keep an eye on yours as it could shift at any given time. Also, some water companies buy water as a supplement to what they can produce and this water can be very different than the companies primary source. That could also explain the sudden change in your water conditions.

You can use bottled water, just avoid distilled water or water with additives.

While baking soda is a safe method to alter hardness and pH, I wouldn;t suggest you do it unless the water is very, very low pH and also very , very low in carbonate hardness. Goldfish, like most fish are very tolerant of a wide range of pH. If they aren't in a pH that causes suffereing, don't fool with it. A good rule for pH and hardness " If it ain't broke, don't fix it"

MM

Answer 2

tap water PH fluctuates - nothing you can do about it.

Ph - 6.5-7.5 is usually fine for a betta. HOWEVER, continuous fluctuations will kill them - it needs to stay relatively steady.

you can use bottled water - H2O is H2O. when you are going to change his tank water, prepare some water in advance. you always need to check his tank water Ph and tap water PH before you change it. his tank water PH will also change over time - this is because food and poop change it.

Im not sure about baking soda - just get another product from the petshop - it is unusual that PH up or down would kill plants. add a tiny bit at a time and test inbetween, or it could be too much.
goldfish need a PH of 7.2 - 8.


Note: do you have a heater? bettas need a temp between 26-29 celcius (75-84°F), or they will not live long term.
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Answer 3

I placed a water air purifier on my area. this is purely as clean and attractive as bottled water, different than i'm getting it for unfastened! it is not a stable concept to drink extremely some unfiltered faucet water (particularly if your on nicely water) because of the fact impurities water possibilities up in the pipes would reason Parkinson's and different issues you do not want.

Answer 4

If you are considering using bottled water, many pet stores sell bottled "betta water", which, from what I'm told, is pretty much filtered, neutralized water with additional nutrients added in.

Answer 5

You can use Perrier only if you want your fish to speak French.