Useing Rain Water In An Aquarium?

[mark2109111]

As many of you know hurricane Irena is about to hit new England. And my question is , is it safe to bucket the rain water and use it in my discus tank. I have read that pure rain water is better for your fish than R/O water but is this true ? Just wanted your take on this idea.

 

[a.wagg]

Probably could work. You might want to test the water though, make sure its not too acidic... Buy a PH test kit, and see if it's alright. Better put a few buckets out if you want to catch enough rain to fill a tank though.

 

[Clarousel]

It could work but we all know pollution has taken it's toll on rain water. Like what a.wagg said, do test the water for acidity.

 

[mark2109111]

I will deffinantly test the ph but I am more worried about the pollutants that I can't test for.

 

[Clarousel]

In my knowledge of science, all I know is that

pollutants from cars/factories/etc. + rain water = diff. types of acids giving you acidic rain.

Usually polluted rainwater would be when it has passed over waste or polluted areas so I highly doubt that rainwater would have particles in it because when water evaporates from the earth it doesn't carry any of those. Unless it has run off a surface before reaching your bucket, it should be clean in a sense that it's safe to use. What I would worry would be how acidic it is.

Hope this helps. If in doubt, stick to tap water then

 

[Tizer]

loads of people use rain water, it shouldnt be a problem.