Can I Use Rainwater For Water Changes?

[Creature Seeker]

Hello,

I've been grappling with an algae problem for a while now and have heard that high phosphates may be the cause. I have tested my tap water and that has a high phosphate content.

I was wondering if it is safe to use rainwater for water changes. I live in a rural area so the rain water is fresh, but would this cause instability issues?

Thanks.

 

[Davo86]

you can, BUT rain water is just as likely to have high levels of various parameters plus other unknown pollutants,
It also generally has a much lower ph so may cause ph shock if too larger a water change is attempted

 

[Caprichoso]

Not to mention unknown and potentially harmful microorganisms. Wouldn't recommend it...

 

[snowflake311]

Not to mention unknown and potentially harmful microorganisms. Wouldn't recommend it...

I don't think microorganism are going to be the problem. It's pollution . That's the reason rain in not safe to drink. Rain washes the air in a way. The pollutant in the air get in to the water. I think it might depend on where you live. If near a big city I would not do it. But if you live in the country and filter the water with carbon I think it would be great to use. That is if you have soft water fish. I would mix the rain water with tap. I wish I lived where we got lots of rain because I would use filtered rain my my tanks. It would be a great way to lower the ph with out ro filters. Amazon fish would love it.

 

[micko]

As above but also, what way do you plan to gather the rain water? Off your roof and guttering? They'd need to be pretty clean before I'd think about using that as an option. What with bits of soil, bird droppings and any chemicals.

 

[RadaR]

Phosphates dont cause algae.
Algae spores bloom when they recieve enough light and ammonia. The ammonia concentration could as low as two to three orders of magnitude lower than what can be measured on a hobby grade test kit.
Stop the spores from blooming and algae shouldnt be a problem.
The spores are only looking for light and ammonia therefore it doesnt matter how much phosphate you have, it can never trigger a bloom.
Spores that have bloomed and flagellated can use phosphates to grow just like plants but the phosphate is still not the cause.

 

[Lolly123]

what if it doesn't rain enough.. oh, I guess we are in england yes..lol

 

[fluttermoth]

I started using rainwater about two years ago (after I got put on a water meter, lol!) I've had no problems using it, though I do mix it with a bit of tap water to stop the pH crashing. I use about 1/3 tap to 2/3 rain water.

 

[Lolly123]

I started using rainwater about two years ago (after I got put on a water meter, lol!) I've had no problems using it, though I do mix it with a bit of tap water to stop the pH crashing. I use about 1/3 tap to 2/3 rain water.

We've just had those blasted things fitted as well, we will get set for the water bills to go through the roof!

 

[fluttermoth]

I started using rainwater about two years ago (after I got put on a water meter, lol!) I've had no problems using it, though I do mix it with a bit of tap water to stop the pH crashing. I use about 1/3 tap to 2/3 rain water.

We've just had those blasted things fitted as well, we will get set for the water bills to go through the roof!

Actually, my water bill has gone down despite the fact I've got 5 tanks, the smallest of which is 23 gallons. I can't use pure rainwater on all of those, even if I had enough water butts to collect the rain, so it might not be as bad as you think.

 

[fab71]

Hi,been useing rain water now for water change in tank now for about 6 months,had problems before with tap water but must say that things in the tank have improved...the fish love it now,also can go longer without a water change!!!!

 

[Alasse]

All i have is rainwater, its collected off the house roof. The only issue i've had with it is snails, because it doesnt have calcium it eventually kills them, easy fix, i add liquid calcium.

I have 8 tanks running at present using it, with no problems. Been using it for 3-4yrs now