Rainwater?

[MartinC]

Hi everyone,
Im having some issues with my tap water quality, i.e. 80+ppm nitrates! I was wondering about using rainwater collected in a water butt. Is this safe and suitable to use?
Martin

[Rockfish]

Hi Martin,

It's theoretically safe to use rainwater, but remember that it will have no significant mineral content or pH buffering, so it's best to mix with tap water or use remineralising salts. Also, it can wash down atmospheric pollutants, so ideally collect after initial rainfall and filter through activated carbon.

[MartinC]

Thanks Rockfish,
Sounds like rainwater is more hassle than its worth! I'll avoid that route for now then. Never heard of remineralising salts though, I presume they are similar to the stuff marine enthusiasts use. I don't mind the extra expense and a bit more work if its going to give me happy fish. Can the reconstituted water be treated just like tap water without the need for dechlorinator and will plants be happy in it?
Sorry for asking the basic stuff but I'm brand, shiny new to tropicals, have kept goldfish or a few years but this is new territory for me.

[Rockfish]

No problem that's what the forum's for.

There are a few commercial salts, but you have to use mineral salts and then a separate buffer normally, so it's much easier to use a percentage of tap water generally.

If you use say 25 percent, it should restore the necessary minerals and buffering and reduce the amount of nitrate to 25 percent of the tap water level.

This article on the main site might be useful: http://www.thetropicaltank.co.uk/purewatr.htm

[blakeariel]

Nice info Rockfish thanks

[MartinC]

yes, thank you

[Rockfish]

Glad it was useful.