Rain water???

Discussion in 'General Discussions' started by Rooivlerkie, Oct 25, 2011.

  1. Rooivlerkie

    Rooivlerkie

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    Hi all
    Can you use rain water in your fish tanks?
    OR would it harm my fishies?
    thanks
     
    Rooivlerkie, Oct 25, 2011
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  3. fugdub

    fugdub

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    would be interested in the answer as well
     
    fugdub, Oct 25, 2011
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  4. LunaTic

    LunaTic

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    I think the biggest problem with rain water is the pollutants in the water. I have read somewhere that if you start collecting the rain after about 30 mins then the pollutants should have been washed away.
     
    LunaTic, Oct 25, 2011
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  5. Sean J

    Sean J

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    Firstly, where are you in South Africa? If you are in Joburg, or an area where there is a lot of industrial factories, like Sasolburg or Witbank, you are more likely to have very polluted rain water.

    Secondly, yes, you can. I have used it before. BUT, you need to collect it in a safe to use receptacle or bucket and filter the water through Carbon, to remove any of the potentially harmful substances in the polluted rain water. Using a little power filter with activated carbon will work very nicely for this purpose. Filter the water for a day or 2 before using it in your tank.

    Lastly, NEVER collect the first rains of the season to use in your tank. It is FULL of the pollution that has been building since the end of the rain season. Let it rain heavily first. Then at the next rains, you should be able to collect the water. Just wait for about 30 minutes of rain to fall before you collect the water.
     
    Last edited: Oct 25, 2011
    Sean J, Oct 25, 2011
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  6. OP
    Rooivlerkie

    Rooivlerkie

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    Ok thanks @Sean J
    I am in the westen Cape away from facroties and that kind of things
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Oct 2, 2016
    Rooivlerkie, Oct 25, 2011
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  7. Sean J

    Sean J

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    That's perfect. Just filter the rain water through carbon and you should be fine. Try collect rain water after the south easter has cleaned up!!
     
    Sean J, Oct 25, 2011
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  8. OP
    Rooivlerkie

    Rooivlerkie

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    OK thanks
     
    Rooivlerkie, Oct 25, 2011
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  9. Reedfish

    Reedfish Moderator

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    I have never used rain water.
    But I have heard of people who do. They filter it through carbon first.
    Also, you have to be careful of the ph. If you live near factories (as has been mentioned above, near Jhb etc) it could also be quite acidic. So do a ph test on the water that has been standing for 24 hours, before you use it.
     
    Reedfish, Oct 25, 2011
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  10. OP
    Rooivlerkie

    Rooivlerkie

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    Last edited by a moderator: Oct 2, 2016
    Rooivlerkie, Oct 25, 2011
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  11. Henk Hugo

    Henk Hugo

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    It's been discussed before. Search the forum for the Profs take on the matter.
     
    Henk Hugo, Oct 26, 2011
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  12. OP
    Rooivlerkie

    Rooivlerkie

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    Last edited by a moderator: Oct 2, 2016
    Rooivlerkie, Oct 26, 2011
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  13. Sean J

    Sean J

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    I have used it with my Apistos. Sensitive creatures... And they all were fine.
     
    Sean J, Oct 26, 2011
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