Fishes are some of the most beautiful and easy-going pets you can ever have. However, It is your duty as an owner to decide what is the best for your fishes’ health. In case you’re wondering if you can use rainwater to fill your fish tank, then you must know that yes, you can. But, unfortunately, it is often acidic. That’s why you should read this article thoroughly and then decide accordingly.
Firstly, you must determine the hardness of your tap or well water and the fish variety you intend to keep. This is because the water hardness plays a crucial role in deciding the preferred conditions for your fish.
What are the benefits of using rainwater in your fish tank?
You may intend to use rainwater to fill your fish tank because it is chlorine-free, soft and most importantly, you don’t have to pay a single penny unlike the meter charge for your tap water supply. These incredible benefits prompt various fish owners to buy rainwater barrels for collecting the rainwater.
But, before doing so, think about the hazards.` Free’ is just a trap for which we all fall but, you must know there are no free lunches for anyone. Did you know that this can be a cost for your fish to pay with their life?
Let’s explore the safety level of rainwater in your fish tank before you jump to conclusions.
Is it safe to use rainwater for your fish tank?
The answer ultimately depends on your country. If you live in highly air-polluted countries then, the rainwater would eventually come in direct exposure to the dangerous pollutants in the air. In that case, obviously the rainwater isn’t safe for the fish tank. However, if you are lucky enough to live in a cleaner country, then rainwater can be perfect for you.
Can I use the rainwater directly in my fish tank?
No, you can’t use the rainwater directly in your fish tank because rainwater isn’t totally pure water and is slightly acidic in the pH scale and unstable without any buffer chemicals. Surprisingly however, rainwater has a TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) or Hardness value of absolute zero. Still it is not recommended for direct use because the bird poop on your roof could end up in your water barrel too.
Additionally, the rooftop material or the collecting storage material like cadmium, asbestos or zinc could also contaminate the water barrel. Hence, before using the rainwater, opt for Reverse osmosis (RO) filtration and also ensure it is enriched with added buffers. This will guarantee stability and excellent sustainability.
Is it safe to use rainwater to fill your fish tank?
Honestly, you need to rethink the possibility of a fallacy here since rainwater is not always safe for all the fishes in your tank. You must understand that the situation might differ depending on the fish species in your tank. Species such as betta, several tetras and also rasboras love soft and acidic water, so rainwater is safe for them. However, some other variety of fishes can also strive in zero TDS and interestingly in a pH of 5 or below.
To test the safety, you can perform a small test. Let’s assume your aquarium fishes support tap water. Additionally, make sure you are not putting any hard water fish in your tank. Begin by utilizing 26% rainwater and then adjust your water accordingly. Thereafter, if your fishes remain fit and the pH is between 6.5 and 7.5, then you can increase the rainwater percentage up to 50%. If after doing so, the pH starts dropping abruptly, then you need to cut back on the amount of rainwater usage instantly.
Final words
By now, you must have got your answer to the primary question as to whether or not you can use rainwater to fill your fish tank. For some species, rainwater can be beneficial while for the others it can be lethal. So, consider everything carefully before coming to a conclusion.
