tap water question

i use tap and since i fought off all my ich problems that i had in the very beginning ive never had an issue... not even with algea outbreaks... i know its not suggested, but im just being honest ;-)

 

Alright, i understand that this hobby is expensive and cutting corners is totally regretful. But i still need to know whether tap water, after being treated with Prime for chlorine, if it is harmful to fish, inverts, and corals? I used it in my 29 gallon and only thing that happened was algae growth i believe. So with this said, i just wanna know if it will affect the inhabitants.

 

The thing is nobody can answer this for you. We can't give you a straight answer; only information and you'll have to make the decision.

It is completely possible that you have things in your tap that can build up and destroy your tank - you could even have copper pipes at some point in the line that could kill your inhabitants if they're leeching for some reason. Not to mention your tap water may have a real high level of nitrates and/or phosphates. Your tap and my tap are undoubtedly different.

You have two choices (WRT using your tap). 1. Go buy a TDS meter, a bunch of fresh water test kits for nitrates, phosphates, copper, and any other test you can think of and check. Then you'll know.

If you have city water, your test results on Day A may or may not match them on Day K or whatever. So keep that in mind.

2. Your second choice is to just try it and see and keep your fingers crossed.


If I sound kind of blunt, let me point out I started with choice 1 testing my tap water for a handful of things. And have since moved to choice 2 as I haven't continuously tested my tap.

It's been about 5 or 6 months and so far I've got no algae issues. I try not to do things that would compound the problem of using tap (over feeding, test weekly, etc.).

I'll get an RO/DI eventually as tap won't cut it in the long run, I'm sure. I've got my own set of reasons for waiting. But in the end, it is your call.

Good luck!

 

+1 to that.