using hose to fill tank

[Bravofleet4]

I know some people fill up their fish tank using their hose but I was wondering if people ever considered the fact that technically water that comes out of a hose is not considered fit for even human consumption because of the fact that harmful chemicals can leech out into the water. Has anyone noticed any detrimental effects from using hoses? I've started filling up my 29 gallon tank with the hose and I'm not worried about it but over time I'm worried such chemicals could accumulate if I keep using the hose to top off/replace water. Thoughts?

Thanks
Bravofleet

[petluvr]

I have filled two 55 and two 30 tanks with a hose and all of them have been up and running free of problems for over a year, although I do not top off my tanks with the hose. Any leeching that happens only happens to water that has lain in the hose for a period of time. Water that is continually flowing through a hose should have nothing leeched into it. I of course don't have any hard facts to back this up it is just my opinion:)

[Fishy_Fun]

You could always buy the food safe http://www.freshwateraquariumplants.com/christmasmossalbum/album1.html vinyl tubing at home depot

[Bk828]

I agree with fishy. But a few members on this board have been filling tanks with garden hoses and dont see any problems.

[Pirateshake]

I fill all mine with garden hoses sense theres a spout outside my window. But i do not top off with the hose. All my tanks have been fine. I do not have food safe hoses either btw.

[KarlTh]

As said before, leaching will only occur when the hose is new and if water's left in it for any time. It's not like any components are particularly soluble.

[DAVIDFBT]

I use a hose that has been used about 4 hours a week in the past year to fill up my tanks from the faucet. No deaths so far.

[Rbishop]

I don't think it is an issue provided you flush the line, much as folks do with copper piping water systems. If it was becoming water soluble, your hose would disappear.

[Mgamer20o0]

i use old hoses. i use a hose to fill all my tanks with.

[KarlTh]

I don't think it is an issue provided you flush the line, much as folks do with copper piping water systems.

Even that's only necessary if your water is very acid. Copper is all but insoluble in alkaline water.

[msjinkzd]

I use garden hose as well to fill all my tanks, no issues

[gsparsan]

New hoses often have an 'algicide' coating inside to prevent the buildup of algae. When you use it, you will find a thin oily film on the water surface. I don't konw if its harmful to plants but I have used it by accident and nothing hapenned.

[WaywardSon]

I still vote for the old red bucket - without it, the beer trips to the frig would be all the exercise I got.