Habitat - Indoor :: Tap water or neutralized pond water

[jdub1107]

My gf's father has koi ponds and he suggested that I mix some of the koi pond water in with tap water. The koi water is neutralized and is a little green from algae. Is this a good idea?

[marisa]

I'd just use the tap water. If it's treated with chlorine or chloramine, use a dechlorinator like Reptisafe to eliminate it.

I think if you use water that already is a little green from algae, the lighting and warmth will just make the algae bloom and you're going to have a cleaning problem (unless you like algae).

[jdub1107]

Thanks. I definitely don't want more algae.
Hmm..wondering why he told us to use the pond water.
So I don't need to worry about the ph levels of the tap water or anything? There's nothing that I should check for?

[marisa]

RES are pretty hardy when it comes to PH; I do check it but only occasionally. What is good to check for is ammonia and nitrites and nitrates. A high level of any is not good. If you keep the water clean and change the water regularly, you shouldn't really have a problem.

If you have a larger tank and a good filter that allows for bio-filtration, beneficial bacteria that colonize in the filter will do a lot to help keep the water healthy. But you'd still have to do your part with complete/partial water changes. (Checking for the above substances would tell you how healthy the water is.)

[TexasJagsFan]

If I remember correctly a de-chlorinator won't remove chloramine and that it is very harmful to fish.

[marisa]

Many dechlorinators (including Reptisafe) will remove chloramine. If the water were only treated with chlorine, you could let it stand for 24 hours and the chlorine would dissipate. But chloramine won't, and this is why it's good to use a dechlorinator that will eliminate both--check the label to make sure.