Rain.........

[bennett418]

Am i right in thinking i can use rain water?

By that only that caught in plastic containers and not through drains etc

 

[KraKen]

I don't see why not, just be sure to test it's parameters.

 

[-germ-]

This is my vague understanding of using rainwater but don't hesitate to point it out if i'm incorrect, i have never used it myself.

In heavily polluted atmospheres, big cities, industrial areas maybe even by extremely busy roads there is a chance of a build up of pollutants in rainwater, also make sure your collecting container is non-toxic. In order to avoid pollutants in areas of typically high air pollution only collect water during heavy showers and after half an hour of rain.
Be careful there are no nasties in it before you add it to your tank insect larvae etc. and try to keep any debris build up to a minimum, leaves, insects, bird pooh etc.
Make sure you test it as well, as mentioned earlier.

 

[Teelie]

One problem with rainwater for most fish is it tends to be soft water and may throw off parameters. Pollution and toxins aren't as much a problem as you might think. The wind does a pretty good job of blowing them all over the place so even the most remote areas tend to get a little of whatever's in the air. It doesn't seem to bother fish living in ponds and lakes or rivers and such.