tap water okay for QT?

[Moonstream]

I am thinking about using tap water for my QT tank, because not only is it cheaper it is also easier. I have used tap water to setup my first SW tank, and it was fine, so I am thinking it should work. I also use it on my FW tank without a problem. my question is, if it tests out good for all levels (ammonia, nitrate and nitrite are the only ones I am concerned about) will it be okay?

also, if anyone knows the levels of brooklyn tap water (or NYC water for that matter) then feel free to post them up! thanks!

 

[downhillbiker]

yeah. this is fine. i use tap for qt all the time and it works great. ro/di is only used by reef keepers, not fish only keepers.

 

[Moonstream]

thanks! hopefully I can have it up be tomorrow then!

 

[kar93]

RO/DI should still be used in QT just because youre not keeping corals and inverts it doesnt mean you shouldnt maintain ideal water quality. Tap water can contain phosphates ammonia copper etc. and that can still cause water problems in the future. So IMO use ro/di.

 

[downhillbiker]

i recommend bare bottom and throw a couple clay pots in there for the fish to hide in. it also helps with catching the fish because they hide in the pot and you can just grab the pot and lift it up=fish caught.

 

[kar93]

Another thing you can do is just use water from your reef tank and if they develop a disease then slowly bring the salinity down using RO/DI water.

 

[Quiet1]

I have a suggestion for QT tank water....

Use tank water that you get from water changes. That way the fish will already be acclimated to your tanks parameters.

I have to admitt that I got this idea from Melev and Quicksilver on an unnamable podcast(I think I am going to refer to it in the Harry Potter method: "You-Know-What-Podcast" :mixed: )

 

[kar93]

Thats where i got the idea aswell

 

[Quiet1]

You know, great minds think alike.