the ph of my well water comes out at 7.8, and then rises to 8.4 within 24 hours. So I bleieve I'm gunna have to start using tap water. Any one know of a good brand to use? And do I have to dechlorinate?
bottled water?
- Thread starter b rob
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With bottled water, tap, well, whatever water you use, you're going to want to add a water conditioning solution. You never know what kinds of minerals or chemicals have been added to them. Also, most have an added substance that acts like a fish's natural slime coating and helps to keep down the stress levels of your fish during water changes or tank set ups.
k, but as far as ph levels go... I just got some "sam's choise" from walmart, and it's ph is 7.8, which is still pretty high. And I know I've been told a million times as long as it's steady it'll be fine. But I want slightly acidic water for my betta.
why would you add a conditioner (dechlorinator) to well water than contains no chlorine?
there's absolutely nothing wrong with a pH of 8.4. save your money. there's no need for bottled water or anything else ... unless you switch to tap water in which case you will need to add a dechlorinator.
a pH of 7.8 is certainly NOT high and your betta doesn't need more acidic water. are you simply looking to make life more difficult for yourself?
I explained why. And I didn't say 'dechlorinator' I said water conditioner, which usually also neutralizes minerals and chemicals and has other added benefits. It's not just for chlorine, as I said. Its for any minerals or chemicals that water may contain and also usually contains that slime coating and other beneficial substances that ease the stress that the fish experiences with each water change.
True that bettas don't really have any specific water needs, but 8.4 is too extreme. Bettas actually prefer a mid to low-range pH and breed best in water treated with blackwater extract, which in and of itself lowers pH to a more acidic level. If they breed in it and prefer it, there's no reason why a good fish keeper shouldn't want to provide it if they want to. They certainly shouldn't be harassed for it.
Again, if he wants to provide a more accurate environment for his fish, despite the fact that bettas are hearty and can acclimate to many different water conditions, why heckle him about it? It's his choice for his pets. And it's not the worst choice I've ever seen being made on this forum thusfar.
As you already know, a steady ph is better than a swinging one. How long has your betta been living in your well water? How is it acting?
As far as water conditioner, my prefered brand is Prime. No you do not need to use it for well water that doesn't contain chlorine or chloramine.
To reference an early post about needing conditioner for well water, and fish needing the slime coat stuff. It is not needed, and it is preferable to put as few chemicals in your tank as possible. Keep in mind the marketing skeems of these companies. I have been keeping fish at my current residence for almost 8 years and am on well water. Haven't conditioned it a single time in general. Only if there is a need to detoxify nitrite or ammonia.
As far as the slime coat..think of how fish are in the wild with fast moving curents of water, when it rains, etc..there slime coat isnt affected, so why would it be when we do a partial water change in our tanks ?
HTH,
Blue
The difference is that even with fast-moving streams, there are still bacteria that create a healthy slime coating on the surfaces in the water with ANY body of water. These slimes coat the rocks, the plants, the fish, everything. Tap water, however, is usually run through several chemicals to destroy these bacterium amongst other microbes and various microscopic flora and fauna and further treated to inhibit and prevent their growth.
Call it gimmicky if you like, but those 'stress coat' substances in those water conditioners are there to recreate that natural balance of microbes and slimes... or else at least simulate them for the comfort of the fish. I personally believe they may not be utterly necessary... but the fish seem to appreciate it. Especially more delicate varieties.
So again, if he wants to treat his fish in a certain way, then he should be allowed. I've never felt that bottled or straight tap water was anything but haphazardous for use directly into a fish aquarium without proper conditioning.
Call it gimmicky if you like, but those 'stress coat' substances in those water conditioners are there to recreate that natural balance of microbes and slimes... or else at least simulate them for the comfort of the fish. I personally believe they may not be utterly necessary... but the fish seem to appreciate it. Especially more delicate varieties.
So again, if he wants to treat his fish in a certain way, then he should be allowed. I've never felt that bottled or straight tap water was anything but haphazardous for use directly into a fish aquarium without proper conditioning.
The water from my well isnt run through chemicals. If your fish are healthy, they do not need any additives in there water to help there slime coat. If you are netting them or handling them, stress coat could be added but then again is not needed.
I am speaking of what the fish needs, not how he wants to handle his fish. As far as how you feel about not conditioning being haphazardous..it might pay you to do a bit of research and see what the fish needs rather than what sounds good.. I stand by the least amount of chemicals additives put in a fish tank, the happier and healthier your fish will be.
Blue
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I realize that a steady ph is the best one... but the ph in my well water isn't stable. it raises .6 in a matter of 2 days. How is that stable? and if I'm gunna make some sort of effort to change my water, I might as well change it to get the number I want.
As the water gases off..the ph sometimes will raise. Ina situation such as yours, it would be advisable to get a bucket, big trash can..what have you and put your water for changed in it and let it sit out for a couple days to "mature" before using it for a water change.
Another thing to note, fish do not read PH. Let me look around..theres a post describing this in detail..post back momentarily.
Blue
Another thing to note, fish do not read PH. Let me look around..theres a post describing this in detail..post back momentarily.
Blue