Do i and should i filter out tap water before mixing with instant ocean for a saltwater tank? If i do, how do i do so? Thanks
2007-06-07 06:48:33 · 4 answers · asked by icomeanons 2 in Pets ➔ Fish
Depends on what's in your tapwater. In some cases, all you really need to do is add a dechlorinator and wait for the water to get to room temperature. All the resources I use recommend using cold water only, since hot water can have slightly higher metal content from your hot water heater. I mix mine a day ahead so it warms to room temperature (temperature affects salinity by 0.001 for every 10 degrees in temperature), then do a check with the hydrometer and make any minor adjustments to the salinity before adding it to the tank.
If you've got high phosphates, nitrates, metals, or other compounds in the tap water, you might need carbon filtration, a deionizer, or a reverse osmosis filter. Your first step should be to contact your water supplier to get an analysis of what's in the water they provide.
2007-06-07 07:29:42 · answer #1 · answered by copperhead 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The only thing that you really need to do to your tap water is add dechlorinator. Use cold water rather than hot/warm water. If you use hot/warm water it typically has more contanaments (sp?) in it. You would have to wait for the heater to heat the water up to the proper temperature. This is how I started my saltwater tank, but for the water changes I go to the local fish store and get ready made saltwater from there. It's a lot easier. You'll see when it's water changing time.
2007-06-07 08:19:34 · answer #2 · answered by jdecorse25 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Absolutely. You want to fill a container with tap water. Make sure the container is as chemical/soap/residue free as possible. You should then add in a Dechlorinator that you can get at any pet store that carries fish supply.
Allow the water to sit for 20 minutes to get to room temperature. If not, a sudden change in temperature can shock your fish.
Or used filtered, bottled water at room temperature.
2007-06-07 07:02:24 · answer #3 · answered by M&M 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
For the best, cheapest, water buy a RO unit, it will clean water for much less than you would spend on chemicals and it is much more pure (100% water!)
2007-06-07 08:49:01 · answer #4 · answered by basilb101 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋