Using the right water in your aquarium is key to keeping livestock safe. Less than ideal or dirty water can endanger livestock in several ways. Water that is too hot, too cold, infested, or of the wrong acidity level can harm the fish, plants, and other animals in your tank.
Starting with the right water is the first step in ensuring the safety of your aquarium environment. At Seatech, we only use RODI water for fish tanks and recommend you do the same. Reverse osmosis deionized water is 100% pure H2O, so it is free of any potentially harmful chemicals. When mixed with the right additives, RODI water can be used for both freshwater and saltwater tanks.
Suboptimal or dirty water can endanger livestock for the following reasons:
- Water that is too cold can shock the animals.
- Water that is too warm can lead to their discomfort and also reduce the amount of oxygen in the tank.
- Too much or too little acid in the tank can hurt fishes’ eyes and skin, and can also make it difficult for them to breathe.
- Dirty water is one of several signs of overcrowding in the fish tank. Even with the best filtration systems, a tank that does not have enough space for each inhabitant will end up with too much waste. When fish waste rots, it releases ammonia. A limited amount of ammonia in the water simulates a natural environment, but too much can lead to diseases such as ich that can kill fish.
If you have live plants in your tank, they could suffocate if the environment is not conducive to their health. Plants are critical to the overall wellness of the aquarium, as they serve as natural filters along with the rocks and gravel.
Additionally, as you clean the tank overall, it’s important to keep the integrity of the water in mind.
- Do not use bleach or other harmful chemicals inside or outside the tank, as this is one of the most detrimental products to livestock. Instead, use algae pads or scrapers to clean the inside of the tank. To clean the outside, you may use a small amount of vinegar diluted in water.
- If the artificial plants in your tank are covered with algae, remove them from the tank and set them outside in the sun for several days. Doing so will dry the algae, allowing you to wash it right off. When you clean plants, make sure you have a backup set that you can place in the tank during those days.
- Remember to keep your eye on the filters to make sure they are working properly.
If you need assistance in maintaining your aquarium or want more information about the benefits of using RODI water in your fish tank, contact us at Seatech H2O.