LadyViper

I wouldn't store them oustide, unless you have a really warm water aquarium. My aquarium is at room temp, with no heat source. The heat in the tank was too much for the goldfish, so I had to remove it. Now, I store all of mine in the basement. When I had a beta, years ago, I kept a few gallons under the sink.

lindsey

I would just generally use tap water. I would say using distilled or bottled water...... well I would say would be a bit extreme. The pump and filtration plus algae eating fish would generally take care of keeping the water clean and filtered just right. Along side with any water treatments that one using when checking the PH in the water levels.

taiarain

I have a well with a chlorine-free softening system so filtered tap water works here. :-)

Taia

kelkat

Do you still condition the water, or can you just pour it right in? Oh, and can I just go out to the creek and get a bucket of water? That seems like it would be the most natural - atleast for the fresh water tank.

Jay

Going to the creek is the most natural, as long as you are willing to introduce all of the organic and microbial matter the stream has to offer.

Tap water is easiest. Your local water co. can provide an analysis for free.

The key players that need to be removed from tap water are chlorine, chloramines (which a lot of water companies are using now) and Heavy Metals which are toxic to fish in increased concentrations. Seachem's Prime is very popular among experienced aquarium keepers.

regards,
Jay

kelkat

Can't you just let the water sit to let the chlorine? For some reason I was thinking that would work - and boiling. Why do I think boiling will work.

I like the idea of using the creek water, and the boys love getting it (even if it takes all day). I think will stick that that method for now.

Jay

Your creek water tank is a unique set up and changing the water with creek water is working for you. Your critters are coming from the creek and are tolerating whatever the water contains, cool, just remember to keep the water changes happening.

Jay

kelkat

Okay, we did a water change the other day (that's when my oldest got the snails - any idea what kind they are or what they are called - other than snails?) and I was wondering just how often do we need to change the water? These are tiny tanks ( I'd say less than a gallon). My goal was to get a tadpole and let the boys see it become a frog. Apparently the tadpoles we got aren't that interested, though.

Jay

LOL. They will be.

You have a lot of organic material and bacteria in the creek water, it will go south on you if you do not keep it fresh. The bacteria will also consume a lot of oxygen, another reason to change out frequently. It will start to smell bad if you don't stay after it.

Without a good description, my guess would be common rams horn and or pond snails. Both are common in creeks and ponds.

Jay

britnewt3

I would use bottled water but read the label and see whats in it I used bottled water but I still used water conditioner just to make sure but which has the better quality I have no clue, because your tap doesnt come with a label.