Using Tap Water in the Freshwater Aquarium

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Using Tap Water in the Freshwater Aquarium
Can be Harmful to Fish if not Conditioned Properly

Feb 16, 2009 Douglas DuHamel

When water comes out of the faucet at home it is designed to meet the needs of humans and not those of aquarium fish.

Tap water is not a healthy environment for exotic and imported species of fish. Water from the tap does not contain carbon dioxide or carbonic acids. It is also missing other nutrients such as trace elements and minerals which have been filtered out so humans can drink it without having ill effects.

Some cities and districts add fluoride to water for hardening teeth enamel and water softener into hard water. Tap water contains chlorine which is added to kill micro-organisms. In addition, there have been incidents of water contamination by poisons, bacteria or metals

While tap water is treated for humans, it has to be untreated for aquarium fish.

Treating Aquarium Water Before Adding Fish

In order to provide proper water conditions in the aquarium for fish, toxic elements must be removed from the water. Many useful products for doing this can be found at your local pet store. A good water conditioner will remove chlorine plus heavy metals and toxic chemicals.

To set up an aquarium, it should be filled with water approximately three or four weeks before adding fish. Gravel should be added to the tank along with driftwood, rocks, and plants. The heater and filter should be turned on and left to run.

During this time, the plants begin to root and start to filter out bad bacteria. This also helps condition the water. The filter needs to be running in order to build up good bacteria. There are products on the market that help establish good bacteria.

While the water is being treated, it is a good opportunity to decide on which fish to buy. Each species has specific needs for pH and water hardness. Test kits are available at pet stores and should be used while the water is being conditioned and periodically after the fish have been added. There are chemicals available that raise or lower pH and water hardness.


The test kit should be first used on water straight from the tap. This will help establish a benchmark as to how much conditioning will be required and to help make a decision on which fish would be ideal for the water. Less conditioning is best and it is an important factor when doing water changes.
Maintaining Aquarium Water Quality After Adding Fish

It is important to test the water just after the fish have been added. Once the tank is stabilized, a weekly monitoring should be done. If fish are showing signs of poor health, the water needs to be tested immediately.

Water changes are important for maintaining optimal water quality. It is recommended to change no more than ¼ of the total water volume on a weekly basis. Fresh water replenishes trace minerals that are used up in the tank by fish, plants and bacteria.

Nitrate, ammonia and other toxins accumulate in an aquarium. Removing a portion of water helps reduce the level of these harmful elements. Uneaten food and fish waste collects in aquarium gravel and contribute to poor water quality. A gravel cleaner is ideal for removing waste from gravel.

It is important to test the tap water in order to see how it compares to the tank water. It may have to be treated with a conditioner before being added to the aquarium.

By conditioning aquarium water before adding fish and replenishing water afterward, it will keep fish and plants healthy. A test kit is an essential tool that every aquarium owner must have.
Copyright Douglas DuHamel. Contact the author to obtain permission for republication.

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