What kind of water

[grant]

Well I was wondering what kind of water I should fill my tank with for when my axie arrives. I heard to use moutain spring water (bottled but not distilled) and that I shouldnt use tap water. I know I have to let it cycle for a week or so before I get them but what would you guys do?

 

[sharon]

For the most part tap water is fine - its the additives that are bad and they are easily removed.

I've never looked into bottled mountain spring water for a tank before. What does the label on the bottle/container say?

I live rurally and have a great well thats tested 4 times a year - more often when someone is buying/selling property out here.

Depending on where you live - I'd just fill the tank with tap water, use the aquasafe or like dechlorinator and let the tank cycle.

Sharon

 

[joan]

Cycling usually takes more than a week. I use tap water. If you live in the city, your water is treated to remove all the bad stuff (except chlorine/chloramines). If you live rurally, but are worried about contaminants, you can take your water to your local water treatment center and they'll test it for you for a fee.

 

[cynthia]

Normal cycling definitely takes more than a week, it about 30 days.

I too would recommend tap water with a good dechlorinator.

Most bottled water is just tap water from another place.

 

[grant]

Ok I got it all set up now. I used tap water that went through a filter. I am currently just letting the water filter and run for a while until he arrives. I am suppose to be picking him up in about 2 weeks. Is that enough time for it to filter you think? And, should I get a chroline/chloride neutralizer to put some in the tank and let it filter around a couple weeks before I actually put him in the tank?

 

[lisa]

unless the filter that your tap water comes from removes chlorine and chloramine, chlorine and chloramine neutraliser should be added to ANY new batch of water that is poured in the tank.

You should also purchase a PH, Ammonia, Nitrite and Nitrate water testing kit, so you can monitor your tank cycling, then you will know if it's safe to put him in the tank when you get him.
Go to google and do a search on cycling an aquarium, then visit axolotl.org, caudata.org, and do as much research as you can into axies.
Then you'll be well on your way.

(Message edited by lisapie on May 16, 2005)

 

[grant]

Yea, I've done quite a bit of research. I purchased the neutralizer and I already have the testing kits from my other animals. My axie should have everything set up just fine. Thanks a lot everyone.

 

[cynthia]

Grant - What kind of filter did you use on the water? You do not want to use straight RO water. Pet stores usually sell RO water.

 

[grant]

I just used a water filter that is on my faucet at my home. And I have the filter in my tank as well.