Rainwater

[Moby]

I’ve started to keep fish that prefer softish water.Over time with water changes I must have about 70% rainwater.Would this explain why my nitrates are quite low.(I use a water butt)
Thks.

 

[Colin_T]

Pure rainwater should have 0 general hardness (GH), 0 carbonate hardness (KH), and 0 ammonia, nitrite and nitrate, and a pH of 7.0.

If you have nitrates in the tap water and are mixing rain water with tap water, then the rain water should reduce the nitrates.

 

[itiwhetu]

Rain water usually has some contaminates in it, mainly caused by how it is collected and stored you need to test your rain water.

 

[Moby]

Thks that makes sense.My tap water is classed as very hard.As I’ve just started keeping Dwalf rams they seem quite happy.
Thks.

 

[Moby]

Rain water usually has some contaminates in it, mainly caused by how it is collected and stored you need to test your rain water.

It’s kept in a plastic water butt.I always strain it with fine net before adding.
Thks.

 

[itiwhetu]

Has the container ever been used for anything else

 

[itiwhetu]

Rainwater will naturally make your tank soft and acid over time

 

[Moby]

No only pure rainwater.
Thks.