Habitat - Indoor :: Tap water?

[MerryMenagerie]

Is it ok to use tap water? We've been buying filtered water at the little water station down the street. It's only 35 cents per gallon, but I add a few gallons a week bc of evaporation. And when I do a water change, it's about $5. It's starting to add up. Plus with winter here now, it's too cold to stand outside filling up gallon jugs, and I have to let the water warm up for a few hours before adding it to the tank. I know petsmart will test tank water, if I bring them tap water, will it tell me anything?

[VeipaCray]

Yes. Cold tap water is fine. Best if you can run it through a carbon filter to remove chlorine and chloramine prior to using it. In the equipment forum I've posted a sticky to a water changer with an in-line tap water filter. You could use a britta / pur / 0 water pitcher or faucet system, the water from your fridge (assuming you have ice and water) passes through a carbon filter.

[MerryMenagerie]

I just saw the python/filter system...that's genius!

[devilduck]

Just remember if your doing a large water change with cold water to take the turtle out and let the water come up to temperature before returning them to the tank. Saves your turtle from temperature shock, and your fingers from being bitten when your not paying attention....

[MerryMenagerie]

[Kansasslider]

You can also put your tap water in 5 gallon buckets let it come up to room temperature before you pour it in the tank

[kellnic07]

what is the difference between warm and cold tap water?

[MerryMenagerie]

I ordered the python and the filter, I haven't had time to go to the hardware store yet. Maybe tomorrow. I do need to add water to the tank...

[ljapa]

what is the difference between warm and cold tap water?

Warm tap water comes from your hot water heater, and in general warmer water can dissolve into solution. The concern is that water sitting in your hot water heater will have more stuff that enters it from the hot water itself. Some of that could be harmful, potentially.

I've only been keeping a turtle and fish for about a year and a half. I use the python inline filtration system stickies in the equipment section:

viewtopic.php?f=9&t=33171

I mix hot water into the return water. I did do some research online with mixed results. However, I did find people claiming they had done it for decades. I also have freshwater shrimp, that have to be much more sensitive than fish or turtles. I've not seen any increased death after water changes.

Is it possible it makes a difference? Yes. But for me, I don't find enough evidence out there to convince me it is worth changing.

[VeipaCray]

Your hot water line will have lime, salt, rust, and other minerals from your water heater UNLESS you have an inline system. You know that white crud caked to the side of your tank and on everything in your aquarium? Guess where it comes from. There's some in the cold water supply also but far less.

Put some hot water in a clear glass and then some cold water in a clear glass. Compare. All of the extra gunk in the hot water your filter will have to deal with... shortening the lifespan of your filter media. Cold water + BIG high wattage aquarium heater is the best way to go.

Will you kill your turtle by using warm water in the mix... no probably not. Will you shorten your filter media and gunk up your tank much faster. Yes definitely.

[Kansasslider]

I couldn't agree more. Some people use hot tap water for cooking. Every good chef knows never to use hot water out of the tap because all the junk that is in it not to mention the fact you have no idea how long its been sitting in the tank. You want hot water boil some cold tap water and use that.

[VeipaCray]

My turtle just climbs out of the water under the basking light or hangs out near the heater when I do a water change. I put cold tap water in the tank and the oversized eheim heater brings it back up to 76 quickly.

[Kansasslider]

That's nice ...Try that with 250 gallons.

[Kansasslider]

I have to boil water by the gallons just to try to keep the temp close.

[ljapa]

But won't boiling water concentrate chemicals even more than a hot water heater?