Blog

When starting an aquarium, the type of water you use is crucial for the health and well-being of your fish and other aquatic inhabitants.So the age old question arises, what kind of water should I use when building my first tank? In this blog we go through some benefits and drawbacks of the existing options to choose from and delegate an ultimate winner, Adwa's pick if you will!

1. Tap Water:

   • Pros: Readily available and inexpensive.
   • Cons: Often contains chlorine, chloramines, and other chemicals that are harmful to fish.
   • Preparation: Must be treated with a water conditioner to remove chlorine and chloramines. It's also a good idea to test for other chemicals such as heavy metals, which may also need to be neutralized.

2. Filtered Tap Water:

   • Pros: Removes impurities such as chlorine and heavy metals.
   • Cons: Does not remove all dissolved solids.
   • Preparation: Use a high-quality aquarium water filter to improve water quality. Additional water treatment may still be necessary.

3. Distilled Water:

   • Pros: Free from most impurities, chemicals, and dissolved solids.
   • Cons: Lacks essential minerals that are beneficial to fish and plants.
   • Preparation: Must be remineralized to ensure the water has the necessary hardness and pH balance for your specific fish species.

4. RO/DI Water (Reverse Osmosis/Deionized Water):

   • Pros: Pure water, free from most impurities and chemicals.
   • Cons: Similar to distilled water, it lacks essential minerals.
   • Preparation: Requires remineralization to provide necessary minerals and achieve proper hardness and pH balance.

5. Well Water:

   • Pros: No chlorine or chloramines.
   • Cons: Can contain high levels of dissolved solids, metals, and other impurities.
   • Preparation: Must be tested for contaminants. Treatment may be necessary to adjust pH, hardness, and remove any harmful substances.

Key Preparations and Considerations:

• Testing Water Parameters: Regardless of the water source, always test for pH, hardness (GH and KH), ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates. These parameters need to be within suitable ranges for the specific fish and plants you intend to keep.

• Water Conditioner: Use a high-quality water conditioner to neutralize harmful chemicals like chlorine and chloramines in tap water.

• Mineral Additives: If using distilled or RO/DI water, add appropriate minerals to ensure the water supports fish health and biological filtration.

• Temperature: Ensure the water temperature matches the needs of your aquarium inhabitants.

The best water to start with for your aquarium depends on several factors, including the type of fish and plants you intend to keep, the quality of your local water supply, and your budget. However, a commonly recommended option is Reverse Osmosis/Deionized (RO/DI) water with remineralization. Here's why RO/DI water with remineralization is often considered the best option:

RO/DI Water with Remineralization

Pros:

1. Purity: RO/DI water is free from most impurities, contaminants, and chemicals found in tap water and well water.
2. Control: Since it starts pure, you have complete control over the water chemistry. You can tailor the hardness, pH, and mineral content to suit the specific needs of your aquarium inhabitants.
3. Safety: Eliminates the risk of introducing harmful substances that might be present in tap or well water, such as heavy metals, nitrates, and phosphates.

Cons:

1. Complexity: Requires the addition of minerals to make the water suitable for fish and plants. This can involve using specific mineral supplements and testing to ensure correct levels.
2. Cost: Initial investment in an RO/DI unit can be high, although it may save money in the long run by reducing the need for frequent water treatments.

Practical Steps for Using RO/DI Water:

1. Purchase an RO/DI Unit: Install a reverse osmosis/deionization filtration system. These units are available at most aquarium supply stores or online.
2. Remineralize the Water: Use a commercial remineralizing product designed for aquarium use. These products typically contain the necessary minerals and buffers to achieve the desired water hardness (GH and KH) and stabilize the pH.
3. Test the Water: Regularly test the water parameters (pH, GH, KH) to ensure they are within the ideal range for your aquarium inhabitants.
4. Maintain the RO/DI Unit: Regularly replace the filters and membranes in your RO/DI unit according to the manufacturer's recommendations to ensure it continues to produce high-quality water.

Alternative Option: Treated Tap Water

If an RO/DI system is not feasible, treated tap water can be a good alternative, provided you take the necessary steps to make it safe:

1. Use a Water Conditioner: Treat tap water with a high-quality water conditioner to remove chlorine, chloramines, and detoxify heavy metals.
2. Test and Adjust: Test the tap water for pH, GH, and KH, and adjust as needed to match the requirements of your aquarium inhabitants.
3. Monitor Quality: Continuously monitor the water quality, especially if there are changes in your local water supply.

Conclusion

RO/DI water with remineralization is often considered the best starting point for an aquarium due to its purity and the control it provides over water chemistry. However, treated tap water can also be a viable option if properly conditioned and monitored. Your choice should consider the specific needs of your aquarium's inhabitants and your ability to maintain the desired water parameters.