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Water fit for fish

Tap water is quite okay for fishes

GET IT RIGHT High levels of chemicals in water can kill the fishes as well as the plants PHOTO: K.K. MUSTAFAH

Most aquarists know the basics of water, but not enough to have a good aquarium going. What they know is not use tap water for their aquarium as it is chlorinated and they should use water from either a borewell or a well. A little more information can do a world of good to your fish.

First thing first. Tap water is the best source of water if you let it stand for 24 hours with an aerator. Borewell water is a bad choice as it is hard water, untreated, and can contain a lot of impurities that affect the fish and plants in a negative way.

Tap water, on the other hand, is soft water, treated, and does not contain impurities that hurt plants and fishes except the chlorine that can be removed mechanically with an aerator or with some chemicals that are available at pet shops.

The impurities in borewell water can range from the usual calcium carbonate, magnesium, phosphorous, nitrites and other chemicals are destructive as they affect fish and plants by disrupting their physiology. Urea and nitrites are usually found dissolved in borewell water in urban areas. High levels of these chemicals can kill the fishes as well as the plants. If dissolved phosphorous levels are high, there will be an algal bloom that would be difficult to control.

Tap water on the other hand does not have many dissolved chemicals so it is a good base to start with and you have control over water.

Next week: Light

SERISH NANISETTI

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