General Care Discussion :: Is it OK to Replenish Pond w/ Distilled Water instead of Tap

[together28]

I have a question related to the water. I'm nervous about adding any tap water right now since I cleaned the pond a couple of weeks ago and refilled with tap water, killing the fish and worrying me about my 2" RES even though he seems to be fine(I added chlorine remover afterward).

The water in the pond is evaporating and I want to add more water. I bought some distilled water today thinking it would be better to use than the tap water. I just wanted to check with the forum first so I don't do anything to screw it up. I bought 2 gallons (the pond is about 56 gallons) of distilled water.

Thanks!

[TheComputerGremlin]

Distilled water isn't great for animals or humans, because it has all of the stuff removed from it, it basically can dehydrate a person by removing that stuff from our bodies. I wouldn't see it being a problem if you are just refilling, but tap water is just fine. Those 2 gallons shouldn't hurt for now, but as soon as you use them, refill them with tap water and either leave them set for 24 hours to naturally remove the chlorine or add the dechlorinater. Then you have it all ready for the next refill.

[together28]

Thank you for your reply!! It was very helpful and you even answered my next question. My Mom just suggested today that I use the empty gallon bottles to fill with tap and let them sit for a couple of days to get the chlorine out so I'm really glad you mentioned that so I know that will work just fine.

Thanks,

Debra (and my little Bubba!)
______________________
Bubba - 2" RES (age unknown)
Sassy - 15 year old American Eskimo
Belle - 14 year old cancer surviving Maltese
Chloe - 9 year old Diabetic Rottweiler

[mike hill]

Distilled water: I use it to add to my tank as my well water is extremely hard with a lot of dissolved solids. It is probably not a good idea to put in 100% distilled for your turtles. I use regular well tap water, RO water and distilled water at times. m.