Tap water conditioning 5/18/08
Hi,
I have a 10 gallon freshwater tank with several live plants, a few platy's, 6 cardinal tetras, 2 ottos and several amano shrimp.
<Have a similar system, though I'd personally consider Platies too large and Otocinclus too delicate for such a small tank.>
I do weekly water changes of about 2.5 gallons and it's been doing well for about a year but recently I've noticed the pH dropping a lot over the week.
<This is common with small tanks, which is why we recommend aquarists keep systems at least 20 gallons in size. Smaller tanks are inherently unstable, and the downward pressures on pH through nitrate, organic decay, etc. tend to overwhelm the carbonate reserve in small volumes of water. Performing larger water changes will help, but it's still a struggle.>
It's about 7 after the water change but will drop down to just over 6 by the end of the week. Everything in the tank actually seemed okay but I figured this can't be good for them.
<Indeed, it is not; livebearers of course need a basic pH simply to survive, but all fish are stressed by rapid variations in pH.>
I tested the hardness and alkalinity, which I hadn't done before, and both were 0, or at least
didn't register on the test strips.
<There's your problem. Are you using softened water by any chance? You should never, ever use water from a domestic water softener in aquaria. It is exceedingly bad for them. Instead use the plain vanilla unsoftened water out the tap, plus dechlorinator of course. Of course Platies and shrimps want hard, basic water whereas Cardinals and Otocinclus want relatively soft and acid water, and that's why they aren't recommended to be kept together. But a happy medium around 10-15 degrees dH and pH 7.5 will suit them all reasonably well. See here:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/FWsubwebindex/fwsoftness.htm>
I then tested the tap water and it had 0 gH and kH with a pH of 8.8 to 9.0.
<Yuk.>
I talked to 3 fish stores in the area and got three different answers about the best way to handle this problem. The first one said to use Wardley Bullseye pH 7.0 which I did.
<Garbage. The pH isn't the issue here, and if an aquarium store told you this was the product to buy, they were anxious to make a sale, not fix a problem. Understand this: pH itself is not important. Fish will adapt to wide range of pH values, provided the pH is stable. So while Cardinal tetras come from water where the pH is around 6, perhaps even lower, and need very soft and acid water to breed, they will live just fine at pH 7.5. The main thing is that the pH doesn't bounce up and down all the time. How do you fix this? By raising the carbonate hardness, the stuff you measure in degrees KH using your alkalinity test kit. Carbonate hardness is the "antidote" to acidification. All aquaria experience acidification; what matters is how well you minimize that acidification. Water changes and carbonate hardness are your two tools. For general fishkeeping, you need a carbonate hardness around 5-7 degrees KH, even slightly higher if you're keeping livebearers and African lake cichlids. Do see here:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/FWsubwebindex/fwh2oquality.htm>
This stabilized the pH but the general hardness and alkalinity still barely registered on the test.
<Indeed. These "pH potions" are chemical buffers that hold the pH at some value. They don't do anything about hardness or carbonate hardness. They are massively misused (and misunderstood) by the hobby. This is what they're for: First fix the carbonate hardness in an aquarium to where you want it. This should move the pH to a useful value. The pH potion is then used to help stabilize that pH. So if you were running a softwater aquarium for Discus, you'd already lower the carbonate hardness to around 2-3 degrees KH. Filtering the water through peat will now bring the pH to an optimal value around 6. But because of the lack of carbonate hardness, the pH is at severe risk of dropping further, so you add the pH potion to stop that.>
I then talked to another person who said to do the same as the first but to also add Seachem Equilibrium to raise the gH and kH.
<Much better advice, though this product is a very expensive way of raising hardness. Far easier to either use your hard tap water (if you have that) or else add some calcium carbonate (such as crushed coral) to a filter so that it dissolves into the soft water and buffers against pH changes. Alternatively, you can add commercial or DIY "Malawi Salt" mixes. The DIY mixes are cheap and use regular household ingredients. There's a recipe elsewhere here:
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/FWSubWebindex/fwhardnessfaqs.htm
You likely won't need to use a full dose as you would for a Malawi cichlid aquarium, but 25-50% of the dose should work nicely. Add to each bucket of water, mix thoroughly, and test with your kits. Add water or salt mix as required to get the optimal value.>
I wasn't able to get to the store for a few days so I thought I'd add some Tetra Flora Pride to see if it had any effect and figured it would be good for the plants too.
<Irrelevant.>
I only added half the suggest dose but three or four of my Amano shrimp died over the next two days. I think it must have been the Flora Pride because I also have a five gallon tank with some Amano shrimp and they're fine even though I added some Bullseye 7.0 to that tank too.
<Unlikely the Flora Pride since these shrimps are widely kept in planted tanks; much more likely the shrimps finally succumbed to variations in water chemistry.>
I finally made it in to another fish store, all three stores are fairly far away, and this person said to stop using the Bullseye because it contains phosphorus and will cause algae problems.
<Least of your problems, but I'd stop with the pH potion anyway.>
He suggested adding one or two teaspoons of Marine salt and then some Kent pH Stabilizer to the tank.
<Marine salt isn't what you want here really. It might help the shrimps and Platies, but if you are using domestically softened water, you likely have a LOT of sodium in the water already. Domestic water softeners don't de-mineralize water; what they do is swap carbonate hardness minerals for sodium salts, making the water easier on your plumbing. But the elevated sodium levels are pretty nasty to your fish.>
Looking on-line this didn't seem like such a good idea and I'm worried that I'll end up killing everything if I mess around with things too much.
<Agreed. A potential risk if you make lots of changes without really understanding what you're doing.>
The tank water seems fairly stable at the moment with a pH of 6.8 and I did a water change to dilute out the Flora Pride and Bullseye a little bit. How would you recommend that I treat the tap water for future water changes?
<First confirm whether you're using softened water or your tap water happens to be extremely soft without going through a domestic water softener. If the former -- stop using the water from the softener, and use unsoftened water. If the latter, I'd personally make up some Malawi Salt mix, add to each bucket of water as required, and over a week gradually change the water 20% at a time so the fish have a chance to acclimate to harder, more basic water.>
I was only using Tetra Aquasafe but it seems like I need something else to stabilize the pH over the week and I don't know if it's important for the long term health of the plants or fish to raise
the gH or kH. Thanks,
Mike
<Yes, extremely important. Cheers, Neale.>

Tap Water Use 3/20/08
High guys, quick question about water for a salt water tank. I live in Toronto, good tap water. Do I need to use reverse osmosis water for my reef tank??
<You may be able to get away with tap water depending on the quality (actual test results are good). I still use RO regardless of tap water quality. Even with good tap water it can vary in throughout the year, RO water helps to keep things consistent.>
Or can I get away with using an average under sink water filter?? Considering Rainfresh to remove 99.9 of chlorine.
<This company markets basic carbon filters to full under sink RO units. I assume you are talking about the carbon filter. This will help remove chlorine, but still be sure to aerate the water for a day or so to dissipate any that may be left in the water.>
Someone told me I may have a lot of phosphates in the water.
<You will need to actually test the water for this (and nitrite, nitrate, hardness, etc.) to be sure, this alone may necessitate the use of RO.>
I did buy a large skimmer that is rated for 250gallon tank. My tank is 125.
<Good, this will help keep your water quality up, but will not help if it starts out bad.>
Thanks for your info.
<Welcome, have fun, Scott V.>

Tap water purification -12/22/2007
Hello, I, like many others, am trying to avoid the waste of an RO unit.
<I'm honestly not sure why so many people are concerned by the "waste" water produced by these units. Unless you're worried about your water bill, it's really not that big a deal. If you're just generally concerned about "wasting" water (though water is actually never truly wasted, just recycled though water treatment plants-- though, obviously, there is some environmental cost to the recycling), you could always use the waste water to wash your car or your dishes or what have you. You could probably even drink it (especially if you put it through one of those PUR drinking water filters).>
I am in the process of setting up a 72 gallon aquarium with fish, live rock/sand, softies. I have tested the basics of my tap water source with good results
<What are "good results?" Did you use a TDS meter?>
and have had freshwater tanks for years without problems/algae. Would it be acceptable to fill a Rubbermaid container with tap water (mix salt, add Kalkwasser, heat) and filter with a canister filled with carbon and poly filter pads overnight while saltwater ages?
<I suppose so. It mostly depends on the quality of your tap water. If you live in rural Montana, the water is practically pure coming right out of the tap. However, this isn't the case in most states and cities around the US. Using tap (even filtered through carbon in a canister filter) is not usually ideal. However, if this is to be for a fish-only tank, you should be fine with it.
Best,
Sara M.> 
P.S. Of course, don't forget to dechlorinate! :) -S.M.

Tap Water Treatment – 12/07/07
Hey Eric what's up?
<<Hiya Don!>>
I have a tap water question, my tap has 1.0 ppm ammonia, no nitrite or nitrate or phosphate.
<<Okay>>
If I were to fill a 90 gallon can and throw Amquel + a power head and salt for a week, would all bad stuff dissipate and would it be ok to use for water changes?
<<The Amquel+ will remove any Chlorine/Chloramines/Ammonia, and may detoxify other elements, but will not remove “all bad stuff”…if present. That said, I see no reason not to give this a try. How your tank responds will answer your question>>
I don't have a RO unit and getting tired of carrying buckets. Or anything you can think of…would be grateful.
<<I do prefer RO/DI for water prep…but give your idea a try>>
Also my fish that had Crypt are clear and the 22nd will be 6 week protocol to go back into 210 tank.
<<Excellent>>
Plus I went out and bought a 90 gallon hospital/quarantine tank
<<Ahh…lots of room!>>
Thanks again for all the help; it's been fun even through the rough times.
<<Am looking forward to your (good) progress reports. EricR>>

Re: Tap Water Treatment - 12/09/07
Eric,
<<Don>>
Ok, bad stuff can mean a lot and I thank you for the quick response.
<<Indeed…and quite welcome>>
What exactly bad stuff would I be worried about without getting into all sorts of crazy water chemistry.
<<Much of what may be in your tap water can not be tested by you/hobbyists, though you can contact your water company and ask for a written analysis…and you might be surprised at what you find (heavy metals, pesticides, etc.). And though these will likely be in miniscule amounts, what is deemed safe for “us” does not hold true/can still be problematical to your marine system>>
I do know Kordon makes a few water conditioner products beside Amquel +.
<<But of little to no use to you/your purpose. There are no magic elixirs out there… It is my opinion you and your system will be happier in the long run with some type of filtration unit (RO/DI) to pre-filter your tap water before use. Do let me know if you wish to discuss these further, and/or read here and among the associated links: http://www.wetwebmedia.com/h2opurifiers.htm . EricR>>

R2: Tap Water Treatment - 12/09/07
What about adding things like carbon to premix?
<<Can’t hurt/will help to prefilter your tap water through carbon…but is still no replacement for a good filtration unit>>
I'm really not trying to be lazy because I’ve been traveling for RO water, but my health is on a decline and carrying 12 buckets 2 times a week is rough.
<<Mmm, sorry to hear…and yes, much agreed. I automated my own system so a 50 gallon water change takes about 15 minutes. A turn of a valve to drain…a push of a button to fill…fantastic…>>
I am big into water changes 10-20 %.
<<Excellent…is the single best thing you can do for your system>>
If not, if you know of a great company that has RO unit at reasonable cost send the link please.
<<Ah yes…check these guys out…http://www.thefilterguys.biz/ro_di_systems.htm >>
I really don't know much about them.
<<Do let me know if I can help with this>>
Thanks Again.
<<Cheers, Eric Russell>>

R3: Tap Water Treatment - 12/10/07
Eric,
<<Don>>
Nice RO filter. . $124.00 - OCEAN WAVE SHELL FOUR STAGE 75 GPD REVERSE OSMOSIS SYSTEM...
<<A nice unit, agreed...though for $10 more you should consider the five-stage unit with the DI cartridge>>
How the heck do you install it? LMAO
<<The units are fairly easy/straightforward to install. You can either “tap in” to a cold water line much as you would to install an ice-maker feed line (make sure you have a valve in-line to shut-off flow when not in use), or, if a faucet is within reach, you can use a faucet adapter to connect the infeed line (adapter may come with the unit, else will have to be purchased separately). You can check with the vendor to be sure, but the unit will likely come with written instructions for installation. Also, I am familiar with this vendor and I know they will do all they can to assist you with the install or to troubleshoot any problems that may arise. EricR>>

R2: Tap Water Treatment – 12/15/07
Eric,
<<Don>>
We had talked about tap water not being the best even when mixed for a week and extra chemicals for the main tank so I'll be doing the buckets again.
<<Mmm…decided against the RO-DI filter then>>
But can I use treated tap water mix with Kordon chemicals and carbon for water changes just in the 75-gallon Q-tank? Or will it bother the fish also?
<<I wouldn’t, think about it my friend… If you are acclimating/treating an already stressed organism, wouldn’t you want the water you use to be of the best quality possible?>>
Hey, thanks again for all the time I have taken up with you and Dave.
<<I think you mean Scott…and you are quite welcome>>
If there's anything I can do in return (I already donated money)
<<Thank you for this>>
please let me know. Even if it’s correcting emails or something like that. Thanks again.
<<Will keep this in mind. Cheers mate! EricR>>

R3: Tap Water – 12/16/07
Yes it was Scott (sorry Scott) I'm on lots of meds :)
<<No worries mate>>
I don't have the money for RO unit but am looking for one at the time and still will get one.
<<You may be able to find a more “inexpensive” unit at your local home store (Lowe’s/Home Depot/Menards/etc.) >>
I understand your point about the stressed fish, but until I get a RO unit I'll keep going to get my buckets filled with RO water from the store!
<<Understood>>
BTW, I hope I'm not taking too much of your time.
<<Not at all. Regards, EricR>>

Question about new TDS meter 10/29/07
Hi Crew,
<Tom>
I have a basic 3 stage RO unit running for 18 months now, with these components:
1 micron sediment filter
5 micron carbon filter
50GPD Dow Filmtec TFC membrane (from Premium Aquatics)
<Okay>
I've long thought that I might need to invest in a unit with a DI stage to get better water for our reef tank. To find out how effective this little RO unit is, I just installed a new HM Digital Dual TDS Monitor (http://www.tdsmeter.com/products/dm2.html). I have not tested for TDS prior to this.
<All right>
Based on reading many of the WWM FAQs on TDS and water filtration, the readings I'm getting are better than I was expecting. The incoming probe reads 50-52, the output probe reads exactly 0. As an experiment I switched the incoming probe to the output side of the RO, and it now reads 0 as well. So the TDS monitor appears to be working, right?
<Oh yes>
We live in Western Oregon and enjoy relatively clean tap water, but I'd like to ask your expert opinion on whether it's typical to get a TDS of 0, using only a basic 3 stage RO.
<Mmm, yes... if the unit is "in good shape", the starting water not too solute laden...>
And, would there be any point to adding a DI stage if the TDS is already at 0?
<Not IMO>
Thanks,
Tom
<Welcome. Bob Fenner, a huge fan of RO... have used for three plus decades... for all cooking, drinking... and some pet-fishing.>

Trihalomethanes – 10/09/07
WetWebMedia Crew,
<<Hello Eric...sorry for the delay in a response>>
I have a chemistry question for whomever may be up to the challenge.
<<Mmm, well...I think Bob would be best for this but since he’s out drinking and diving in the Bahamas (lucky pug), and no one else has picked it this up...I’ll give it a go>>
I have recently discovered, through the local paper, that my water source has admitted to exceeding the EPA standards in total Trihalomethanes (TTHM) of 80 ppb over the past year.
<<I suspect there’s much in our drinking water of which we are generally “unaware”>>
I do know that Trihalomethanes are a byproduct of using Chlorine or Chloramine to treat the water.
<<As a byproduct of the reaction with organic matter...yes, is what I have read as well>>
Apparently the average TTHM's for our water source has been 82.5ppb.
<<Hardly seems trifling...with a “standard” of 80ppb>>
My question is this: Since Trihalomethanes are a known carcinogen, what is the toxicity level for aquatic animals, specifically fish.
<<Hmm, don’t know...but would have to assume if it isn’t healthy for us, it can’t be good for the fishes>>
I have a 29 gallon saltwater system, and do use tap water, although I have not lost a fish for at least 2 years. Need I be concerned?
<<I think the possible presence of pesticides and heavy metals in your tap water likely pose a greater risk here. All the same, and especially since you don’t pre-filter your water, I would be running a small canister filter filled with cut-up Poly-Filter pads on this system>>
Appreciative as always,
Eric
<<Hope you find this exchange of use. Eric Russell>>

Re: Ammonia in aged water-possibly algae in well water  9/7/07
Hello Crew (Bob),
Concerning the ammonia readings in aged water (but not fresh from tap over at my mother's house). I did buy 2 more test kits and those kits showed the identical results as my original liquid
test kit.
<I see. Thank you>
So I made some calls and did some thinking. I'm going to update you in the hopes that it may help someone else with well water.
I believe the reason for the ammonia reading in only the aged water (not fresh tap water) was because my mother had algae in her well/well water.
<This could do it, yes>
Possibly because of major flooding here in
Oklahoma the past 6 months. The water straight out of her tap showed '0' ammonia, yet when the water sat for an hour or more the ammonia started rising. I believe it was because the algae
particles from the well started dying as soon as it came through the pipes and sat in a container and caused the ammonia. Does that make sense?
<It does>
It made perfect sense to me. We poured a
bottle of Clorox bleach down her well the other day. Evidently that's not an uncommon practice amongst well owners (who'd have known?).
<Is a good move>
The man at the water dept said the bleach should
dissipate within 24 hrs or so. I went over to her house today and tested a bucket of water she'd had sitting out for several hours. There was '0' ammonia! Great news! So I think that solved the problem. I'd have never thought of something like that and I wonder how many other fish keepers using well water have trouble cycling their tanks for the same reason. She was pouring in water with ammonia in it. Keep in mind the ammonia only showed in her aged water, not straight from the tap. It really had me stumped and I'm so glad to have figured it out, so it seems.
Does chlorine actually dissipate after about 24 hours?
<Most types of sodium hypochlorite, yes... there are other versions, and additives that make some "bleach" last longer in a bottle..>
I'd like to make sure from you. I bought her some Kordon's NovAqua+ to use with any water changes until I find out for sure that chlorine
dissipates quickly.
<Also a good idea>
Interesting update and I really hope it helps someone else.
Mitzi
<Thank you for sharing. You've no doubt saved many people grief... and livestock! Bob Fenner>

Tap Water Conditioner v. Stress Coat – 08/08/07
Hi there Neale. Quick question! With all my daily water changes (to correct chemistry), should I be using API's Tap Water Conditioner vs. Stress Coat? In the CMA, Bob mentioned using excessive Stress Coat encourages the fish to produce too much slime coating. I have been adding a drop or two of Stress Coat to the water before introducing it into the aquarium...the product also does not have an ideal applicator and I often place too much in.
What is your recommendation please? Thank you very much! Lisa.
<Lisa, in 20+ years of keeping fish I've never used Stress Coat. The only time I've seen it used is by retailers when they add some to the shipping water in the bag before sending me home with my new pets. Healthy fish have perfectly adequate slime coats, and excess slime surely doesn't do them any good at all (the obvious parallel would be promoting slime production in humans -- that's anything from a runny nose to mucous-filled lungs). Tap water conditioner, on the other hand, is one of those cheap but essential things no aquarist should ever neglect. It quite clearly does what it says on the package, and when not used, the fish are quite clearly harmed. So this is a no-brainer to me: always use the Conditioner, and only use Stress Coat in situations (such as shipping fish) where there are short-term benefits to be gained. They are quite obviously not alternatives: one's essential, the other an optional extra. Frankly, I wouldn't bother with Stress Coat. Focus on water quality, water chemistry, and diet, in that order -- and everything else should fall into place without any extra work. Trust me on this. A stable aquarium with an established population of fish is about as little work as a pot plant. Cheers, Neale.>
Re: Tap Water Conditioner v. Stress Coat
I knew you'd have a clear answer on this one - thanks again.
<Cool. Take care, Neale>

Tap water preparation, stocking questions. Another Nutrient Export Devotee!  6/23/07
Crew-
<Scott F. your Crew member tonight.>
Thanks, as always. I've taken to reading the daily FAQs, now that I've been able to research most of my common problems. On to my question. I am currently using tap water for my 40 reef and 50 FOWLR. I am getting great growth, even from some SPS. I take great care of my tank, doing 5-10% water changes every few days.
<I LOVE to hear that!>
The tank has been up for 6 months or so and is currently getting a diatom bloom. I have recently replaced the bulbs, and I wash all my frozen food, feed lightly, take all other suggested steps ala WWM directive.
<Awesome husbandry...My eyes are welling with tears of joy...>
I believe that there may still be some lingering silicates or phosphates that are coming in with my water changes.
<That would be my first guess, too. If you don't use reverse osmosis or deionization to treat your tap water before mixing it with salt, you're probably bringing in phosphates or silicates that way. Every time you do a water change, you're simply "refueling" the algae. I would highly advise investing in an RO/DI unit. Do test your source water for phosphates, nitrates and silicates, and you'll probably be shopping for a unit pretty quickly!>
Currently for water changes, I fill a Rubbermaid garbage can with tap water, aerate it for several days with Amquel+, then make saltwater from that water, heat and aerate and
circulate that for a couple days and then into the tank it goes. I have it set so that each step is happening at once, so I can continually do water changes every 3-4 days.
<Really sounds fine, with the exception of a lack of source water pre-treatment, as indicated above. I am drooling (that's geeky, I know- but who cares?) over your consistent, frequent water change schedule!>
Anyway, the short of it is I am wondering if I can dose a small amount of Kalk into the mixed saltwater to precipitate out what phosphates may be present. Would calcium hydroxide preferentially precipitate phosphates or the alkalinity first?
<The real issue here is to determine what the level of phosphate is in the water to begin with. Better to simply eliminate it from the start, and then use calcium hydroxide to supply free calcium to your system (as determined by it's calcium demand-which you can find out by testing!).>
I am currently using Oceanic, which is relatively high in Ca, but I would be able to switch to another brand to find one that's more alk oriented (I seem to remember an article by Steven pro, right? He came and spoke at TCMAS not too long ago)
<Steve's a good friend of mine...Just chatted with him today, in fact. A great guy and wonderful friend of the hobby!>
Also I am wondering if I could get some of the nuisance algae growing in the water change container so as to use up the nutrients fueling it before it goes to the tank.
Interesting thought-utilizing algae in your storage container- but I think it's putting the "cart before the horse", as they say. Sooo much better to pre-treat the source water before use, and employ continuous nutrient export processes (i.e., your water changes, "purposeful" macroalgae growth in the system, chemical filtration and protein skimming).>
I know in the end I am just putting off getting an RO/DI,
but I'm a poor college student, so I gotta do what I gotta do.
<I hear ya...At the very least, you might be able to find one of those water stores or a vender of some sort that can sell you RO/DI water. Id id that when I was in college, and it was less expensive than an RO unit...Kind of a pain, though. Basically, my point is that it's easier to reduce/eliminate unwanted substances from the source water before you use it than it is to get it out of your system.>
Also, in my 40 reef I currently have an Ocellaris Clownfish and a Coral Beauty (who nips every now and again, but seemingly only at leathers).
<An unfortunate habit- but a trade off worthwhile to me nonetheless when keeping this lovely fish!>
I would love to eventually add a Neon Goby, a Sixline Wrasse and maybe a Firefish. I would do the Goby first, then the Firefish, then the Sixline, probably in month increments as they come out of QT. Am I overcrowding?
<Good order of introduction, but I think it is a bit of a crowd in this sized aquarium. I'd eliminate the Sixline, as it may become a behavioural problem in this sized aquarium with a relatively docile population. I'd stop adding fish with the Neon and the Firefish.>
I've got a built-in fuge and air driven skimmer (I'm using double limewood airstones) supplemented by a Prizm skimmer.
<Great! Make sure the skimmers are cranking out skimmate regularly.>
Once again, as always, thanks!!
Wes
<Well, Wes- I'm really thrilled to hear how well you're doing things. Your husbandry is very good! My only recommendation is to employ some form of water pre-treatment for your source water, and you'll be in great shape. Do see if you can find an inexpensive or used unit. Best of luck, and continued success! Keep sharing your husbandry practices and ideas with others! Regards, Scott F.>

Chloramines, treating source water 6/6/07
Hi Crew,
I had the following paragraph included in a post I just sent and thought maybe it would be easier if it was sent under the proper index or subject name,
As a word of warning to those residents using Toledo, OH city water: With hottest days of summer still ahead of us please be advised that the water plants use of chloramines increases greatly during the summer months due to algae build up in and around their pump stations in Lake Erie. I know this to be factual because I delivered bulk Co2 to the plant for five years. We (the wife and I) lost a beautiful Watchman Goby (Winston) during the summer of our freshman year as an aquarists and didn't know why until sometime later. It still brings a tear to my eye when I think of him laying on the bottom of our hospital tank struggling to breathe. To be honest we almost left the hobby. But, thanks to the "Crew" at www.wetwebmedia.com we are still here enjoying our marine aquariums.
Best regards,
Brad & Nancee Kizer
<Thank you for this valuable note. A further addition to warn all against irregular "pulsing" of this sanitizer... Water Districts will/do greatly increase the concentration here to rid lines or microbes, increase residual... to several times regular dose... Once again, my STRONG suggestion to store, aerate water a week or so ahead of use. BobF>

Weird water question...creek water for tanks? – 5/19/07
Your registration function is unavailable so I opted to email.
<Sorry about that.  I have also been unable to register for the forum.  That is a separate system than ours, but something is broken and needs to be fixed!>
We are going to be filling a 210g SW tank <cool!> and were wondering if we could use creek water ? <hmmm…>
It is a small FW creek and the water is crystal clear and definitely drinkable. We have drunk from it for many years with never a problem. We live in the mountains and have never had any type of problem with our water whether it be our well or the creek. I don't have an RO/di unit and have always used the well water for our tanks. My tanks are doing great with the water and I have them tested regularly. I was just wondering if this was feasible. Pumping 265g ( 210g tank + 55g sump ) would put a strain on my well pump. Thanks for any help !!!
<If you are not downstream of any farms or other sources of pollution, it may be fine.  Since you normally use the well water, you should test the stream water for at least phosphate and nitrate, just to be sure.  Drinkability implies you don’t have a bacteria problem, which shouldn’t survive the switch to salt anyway. You will need to be careful of your pumping situation, and not suck up sediment from the stream.  Another option would be to fill the system slowly with well water over a few days, maybe 25 or 50g at a time.  That should not strain your pump too much.
Cheers, Alex>

Not so much of a question, but more of a warning. Tapwater use...    5/7/07
Hello Crew,
<Mike>
Just writing this in the hopes that you pass it on.  Previously, I subscribed to the theory that if tap water is safe for humans to drink, it is safe for the fish once properly treated.
<Mmm, you're learning...>
Yesterday, I did my normal 15% water change on my 300G FOWLR.  Prior to the water change, my readings were Ammonia 0, Nitrite 0, and Nitrate
<5ppm (API test kit).
About one hour after adding the new water, the tanks looked a bit cloudy, and the twelve fish in the tank (species not relevant to this letter), were acting "odd".  Difficult to describe odd, but you understand what I mean when your fish are just not acting like they normally do.
I tested the water again:  Ammonia 0, Nitrite 0.5ppm, Nitrate <5ppm.
To make a long story short, after checking all of my equipment and not finding any problems, I tested my tap water; the nitrite level was somewhere between 0.5 and 1.0 ppm straight out of the faucet.
<Yikes>
I added a bottle of "Cycle" to the tank to help the system along.
<Mmm, not a consistent/useful product unfortunately>
  the nitrite level was down to 0.25 ppm within 90 minutes and back down to 0 ppm by the next morning.
<Likely your nitrifiers effect>
So, my RO\DI unit should be arriving this week, and my water utility will be getting an angry call from me in the morning.
<Good luck t/here>
So, just a friendly reminder to the WWM readers, if you use tap water, make sure you spot check it from time to time!
<Good!>
Thanks again for this wonderful resource,
Mike
<Thank you for sharing Mike... You have saved many organisms, and many aquarist head- and heart-aches. Bob Fenner>

Water Filtration, Top offs, and Storing Saltwater 4/26/07
Jason here from Manila.  Hope you're doing well too :)
<Greetings, Jason! GrahamT with you this fine, rainy morning in Maine, USA.>
My water company delivers filtered water to my doorstep.  
<Cool!>
However, I am not sure about the quality of the water, and if they use copper for its distillation process.  
<Can be tested for...>
I also believe it is RO water.  
<Is likely. Commonly used form of purification.>
What kind of tests should I do on the water to determine if it is safe for my reef tank?
<I would test for ammonia, nitrite, nitrate, calcium, phosphate and copper. If you are curious, you could add total dissolved solids (which should be at or near zero if it IS RO) and iron. These can be useful kits for any aquarist, but they *ARE* seldom-used and the kits do expire so... it's your call.>
If I'm going to do my own filtration on my tap water,
is it ok to just do RO, and not DI?
<That depends on what you want to accomplish. For most cases, RO will suffice. I would venture that if your tap water is safe to drink, then you can buy a simple RO (read: two or three-stage) with acceptable results. However, the more you invest initially in your RO unit, the more it pays of in the end. Multiple stages of pre-filtration before the RO-membrane extend the life of the membrane and soften the blow to your wallet. If you do go with a many-stage unit, then the addition of DI is warranted, IMO. The level of stuff that would make it to the DI in that case would be minimal, and thus the DI cartridge would last quite a while. All these different choices will be prompted by the tests you carry out on your tapwater.>
I plan to make a DIY top off system.  Does the water
need to be constantly aerated with an airstone & pump
to keep oxygenated?
<Not *constantly*, but if you plan to keep it for long periods (like weeks) in the same container, you need to provide movement and aeration to avoid stagnant water.>
As part of my routine of making saltwater and storing, can I keep it in containers where it is not circulated and not air pumped for weeks at a time, and then when I need to use it, I can airstone it and circulate it for x hours - would this be ok?  
<If you are driven to store the water for a long time, then I would store just the purified fresh water, since there is less chance of it growing bacteria and algae whilst sitting. Then you can mix it up in due time for its use.>
If so, how long should I aerate/circulate it prior to use?  Is there anything I should watch out for here?
<Aerate and circulate for at least two days after you mix the salt, and then feel safe using it.>
Doing water changes - when I water change, I aerate and use a water pump for circulation prior to use.
However, this makes the water much warmer than my tank.  Is it ok to let it sit without aeration/circulation for 2 hours (while it cools down) prior to use?
<The aeration alone shouldn't heat the water, but in either case, letting it sit for a matter of a couple hours is detrimental in any way. By all means, let the water cool. Good luck!
-GrahamT>

I need help, all my fish died – 3/28/07
I'll apologize in advance for the length of this.  I just want to give as much info as possible.
<No problem.>
I recently had a disaster with my tank.  It's 45 gal, 20 lbs of live rock, (I know it's not enough) and 1/2" crushed coral substrate.
<Also not enough.  A deeper bed could help you with denitrification.>  
I have a CPR BakPak 2 and Via Aqua canister filter for filtration.  The tank has been set up for 2 years now.  I haven't added anything new to the tank in over 6 months.  I had 1 tomato clown, 2 pajama cardinals, and 1 royal Gramma.  There are 3-5 hermit crabs and the live rock is covered with small feather dusters, green algae, and little bits of coralline.  It also had a couple of spaghetti worms which died also.
The crabs appear healthy and the feather dusters, while some larger ones seemed a little stressed, appear otherwise fine.
<This sounds like a very nice tank.  I am sorry you had a disaster.>
I was in the process of cleaning my tank.  The tank has always had a nitrate problem (usually 20) that I've not been able to fix
<This is not extremely high given that you are not trying to keep sensitive invertebrates.  A deep sand bed could help bring this down though.  And changing more water is the other option.>
and occasionally I've used a little Amquel+ before a partial water change. I've never had problems with Amquel+ before.  I did use some about 24 hours before I found all of the fish dead.  
<Hmmm…>
I tried the forum first, the Amquel+ had a strong rotten egg like odor to it which apparently isn't normal according to some posts.  
<This does not sound normal to me.  Rotten egg odor is hydrogen sulfide.  Can’t be good.>
I can tell you the ph in the tank plummeted to 7.4.
<Yikes!!>
I don't have readings for ammonia etc., from the time I found the fish as my first reaction was to change the water quickly to save the rest of the tank.
On Monday, the fish seemed healthy and were eating ok when I fed them before I left for work, about 12 hours after adding the Amquel+.  It was about 11 hours later I found them all dead.  There were no visible signs of any illness prior to this.  
<Illness does not sound likely.  This is environmental.>
So far, I've done 2 partial water changes and I plan on doing a 3rd this weekend.  I've also added some Seachem reef buffer.  I removed and completely cleaned the CPR BakPak. It is currently the only filtration.  I need to completely replace all the media in the VIA Aqua so for the moment it's disconnected.
What could have killed the fish and not the crabs and feather duster?
<It does sound like your Amquel+ was the culprit.  Crabs and annelids can be pretty hardy sometimes.  Fish have such high metabolisms they are very sensitive to toxins or oxygen depletion.  The manufacturer is not sharing the recipe for this newer product, but lists the composition of original Amquel as sodium hydroxymethanesulfonate.  Assuming this is a primary component of the new formula as well, It does sound like it broke down into some very unpleasant compounds, including hydrogen sulfide.  Here is the link to the safety information about the product:
http://www.novalek.com/kordon/Amquel+/index.htm
Although they say it is very safe, of course, they also say that deoxygenation of the water occurs after addition, and this is certainly one way the fish could be injured.  The hydrogen sulfide and pH drop could also be culprits.  I would not add any products like this to the tank to reduce nitrates.  Nitrates are much less dangerous than these chemicals!>
Is there something I should test for other than the normal water parameters?
<pH, alkalinity, ammonia, nitrite, nitrate should be sufficient.  The Sulphur should not be a problem as long as your pH and hardness are appropriate, especially since you have diluted with significant water changes.  The water changes should have taken care of any obscure compounds. >
Do I need new substrate and live rock?
<I would not replace the substrate and rock.  You might go ahead and add some more. >
I plan on waiting at least a few weeks, I'm afraid to even consider adding any fish until I figure out what went wrong.
<Yes, once your pH and other parameters are stable, and if your invertebrates continue to do well, I would add fish back one at a time.  The quarantine period for the fish should give you plenty of time to assess the stability of the tank.  I would not use Amquel+ in the tank anymore.  After a similar fish kill from another “safe” product that also deoxygenates the water, I have sworn off adding any proprietary formulations to my no matter how safe anyone says it is.>
Dawn
<Alex>  

A follow-up to "I need help, all my fish died 3/28/07" More on Amquel (and A.C.E. . ) poss. toxicity   3/31/07
Good afternoon Crew,
<Nicole>
I just wanted to add to this question, which Alex answered, in which someone named Dawn relayed the disaster that her 45 gallon reef tank experienced.
<Please do>
I myself have noticed this odor with the Amquel+ product, but when I first bought a bottle of it about a year ago, it had a similar smell.
The smell seems to have become concentrated as the product was expended. It leaves a very lasting odor - an uncapped bottle can quickly smell up a room! This makes me uneasy, but I do believe it is normal to some extent. Even Prime (in my opinion the best dechlorinator, the 50 ml dropper bottle makes dosing very simple - 3 drops per gallon)  has a section on the back where it says:
"Sulfur odor is normal."
<Yes>
Prime, however, has a very slight odor, in my opinion. The Amquel+ product definitely does not! I answer fish questions on another site, and have seen many cases where an addition of Amquel+ or A.C.E. . caused major disruption of the bio-filter, usually nitrites shooting up sky high.
<Yes>
I cannot say that it is due to the product alone, but it certainly was a catalyst. Although both Novalek and Jungle do offer other fine aquarium products - these particular ones, I would never recommend to anyone.
<Me neither>
Thanks for reading this, and for all that you do each day for hobbyists worldwide!
Nicole
<Thanks much for coming forward... with this lucid, useful input. Bob Fenner>

Bubble Tip Anemone and Prime – 3/11/07
Bob,
<Hi Cindy, Brenda here>
I have a question about a Bubble tip.  My husband got this guy on Thursday.  He put Prime in the tank today.
<Why?  Prime is used to remove chlorine and ammonia.  It is also used during cycling to reduce ammonia, nitrate and nitrite toxicity.  You should be using RO or RO/DI water.  An anemone should not be added to a tank until it is well established.  It is recommended to wait six months to one year before adding an anemone.>
Now the Anemone is sucked back until it is very small and looks a little jelly like.
<It is not unusual for an anemone to deflate from time to time.  It needs to expel waste.  If it looks like it is melting or decaying, it is dead.  Need to remove it, do a large water change and monitor your water parameters closely.>
What could be wrong with this guy and is there anything we can do to help him?
<Without more information on your tank such as equipment, age, water parameters, and as to why Prime was added, I can’t offer much help.>
He did try to feed him today but he wouldn't eat.
<That is not unusual for a newly introduced anemone.>
Cindy
<Sorry, need more information.  Brenda>

PRIME (SEACHEM) 3/11/07
How are you all doing?
<Good thanks.>
I have a question about the product PRIME from Seachem. I have a little system made to dispense Freshwater (R/O) from a 26 gallon trash can and a saltwater mix (1.023) that is in another 26 gallon. I have heaters in both and have power heads in both. My question is when I make new fresh water with the R/O maker, can I just implement the PRIME in the freshwater trash can? <Not necessary with R/O water, it removes the chemicals Prime treats.> Or when I'm ready to mix new saltwater and add it to my saltwater trash can should I put the PRIME in the saltwater mix? Where do you think the Prime would be more effective or does it even matter? <Unnecessary.> Sorry but two more question my tank has been cycling for two weeks now and I have been doing 5-10% water changes so far at the end of each week ( Only two so far).
However, I also have real fine sand in the tank. Do I need to siphon the sand too. <I would not unless it has algae growth on it.> Or can I just pick up the die off from my LR with tongs and not have to stir up the sand. <Would work fine.> Because as you know if you suck to close to the sand you end up sucking up sand as well and I don't want to do that. The last question I have is my tank has already gone through a phase where I had brown algae and now it has turned green in the tank is this normal? <Yes> I  believe it is from all of the books and forums I read on this web site. Also can you all give me a good web site to go to that has detailed info on how the Nitrogen cycle works and the steps your tank goes through from beginning to end and also charts and pictures of what it looks like in these stages.  <Don't know of one with everything you are looking for.  Can start here http://www.wetwebmedia.com/FWSubWebIndex/fwestcycling.htm and see where it leads you.>   
Thank you for all of your help!
Jeff
<Chris>

Tap water, trtmt.   – 03/09/07
What do I need to do to make tap water safe (as far as chlorine and chloramines) for my 75 gal. saltwater tank?  Should I use Kent ammonia detox or prime?
<<There are many products available. My favourite is Prime, by Seachem.  Please be sure to cycle your tank, and research all your purchases before bringing home any fishes. Lisa.>>

Cat shark:  feeding and soft water    1/17/06
Hi guys,
<Tim>
      I have a newly hatched cat shark and had two questions that I couldn't answer myself on your site.  First, knowing that you don't recommend silversides as a diet for them I was wondering if it was ok to feed striped killifish (a common salt water bait minnow).
<These should be fine>
Second,  do you know how this fish will do in soft water?  When I set up the tank the softener was bypassed and it was filled with regular dechlorinated tap water.  The manufacturer of the softener recommends that you gradually introduce the fish to soft water and it will be ok.  Just wondered if this would be ok for such a delicate fish.  Thanks for any help you can offer.
                                                                                               Tim Taylor
<Mmm... most water softeners are "exchange" in principle... trading ions for "hardness" material... and being re-charged with salt/s... One can end up with a bit of sodium/chloride imbalance... but not really much of an issue in an otherwise properly set-up and maintained system... I would not go to extraordinary measures to avoid the softened water here... Just mix, store your synthetic and you'll be fine. Bob Fenner>

Two topics: pH of RO\DI and Amquel+  11/21/06
Good morning crew,
I have two topics that I need assistance with.
After reading Bob Fenner's article on 'Treating Tap/Source-water for Marine Aquarium Use'. I was worried about Amquel+ product that I use for removing chlorine and chloramines from my filter socks after treating them in bleach solution to clean. With the smell of the product it makes me believe it has formaldehyde in it. What is the general thought on this product and is there a product I should use in its place to remove chlorine?
<Is a worthwhile product..., safe, effective... rarely going "bad">
Our water is sooo hard in our area and I have a water softener before the RO system to soften it. My RO\DI system produces water that has 9.1 PH before aerating.
<Mmmmm>
After aerating and adding Seachem Reef Buffer the PH is at 8.89. I replace the filters on the RO every 3-4 months and the membrane every 20-24 months. I have calibrated the pen and have a tank PH of 8.11-8.16 that has a calc reactor dosing it. Is the pen bad possibly?
<Mmm, doubtful... you do calibrate it, check it against/with solution/s of known pH I take it>
I did a test on 24 gallons of RO\DI water, after aerating it for 24 hours I added the buffer\baking soda till the PH reached 8.2. After 24 hours I added Reef Crystals salt to the water and CABLAMMY everything 'snowed' out of the water and the ph went to 7.65.
<... I would aerate the new water for a day or more... mix the salt in, allow to run another day or more, THEN do whatever adjustment to chemistry/physics>
The reason I did this was my calcium levels never improved above 280-290.
<...? In the newly made-up seawater?>
And feared that my top off water and water change mixture was hurting the tank.
<Something/s is/are amiss here...>
I am left to believe that my PH pen is giving me untrue measurements, but reproducible readings. What are your thoughts on this 'PH'oohy observation?
As always thank you for your time.
Dave
<Time to "check the checker"... Perhaps a visit to the LFS where they can gauge your readings against theirs. Also... I would try eliminating the water softener in your tap/source water treatment path here... even just to see what the consequent water chemistry reads. Bob Fenner>