Hey all,
I have known for some time that I need to move over to RO water or rain water. Either option is not easy to implement in my current small home.
My tap water is great out the majority of the time. I can do water changes and see the fish benefit (increased activity, spawning, etc). But eventually, I do a water change and not long after the fish are visibly uncomfortable. I lose any fry in the tank. I lose a pencilfish or two, while the rest of the Pencils take on lighter coloring. The Apistogramma take on stress coloration.
Do you think the Waste Water Treatment plant is "flushing" the water with something? I would say this happens once a month in summer and more often during the winter.
I treat the water with prime. So in theory, chloramine and chlorine should be taken care of. I suppose chloramine could be a problem due to the ammonia released. But testing the tap water always shows a small ammonia reading. Nothing new.
I live in a small house. I do not have a place to setup RO and a storage vessel at the moment. Not to mention my water is expensive, $60 a month is the lowest amount I pay. The price easily jumps up closer to $100 when I use more for gardening, filling outdoor ponds, etc.
I am going to try to do three times a week 20% water changes instead of one or two larger changes. Any other suggestions are greatly appreciated.
I have known for some time that I need to move over to RO water or rain water. Either option is not easy to implement in my current small home.
My tap water is great out the majority of the time. I can do water changes and see the fish benefit (increased activity, spawning, etc). But eventually, I do a water change and not long after the fish are visibly uncomfortable. I lose any fry in the tank. I lose a pencilfish or two, while the rest of the Pencils take on lighter coloring. The Apistogramma take on stress coloration.
Do you think the Waste Water Treatment plant is "flushing" the water with something? I would say this happens once a month in summer and more often during the winter.
I treat the water with prime. So in theory, chloramine and chlorine should be taken care of. I suppose chloramine could be a problem due to the ammonia released. But testing the tap water always shows a small ammonia reading. Nothing new.
I live in a small house. I do not have a place to setup RO and a storage vessel at the moment. Not to mention my water is expensive, $60 a month is the lowest amount I pay. The price easily jumps up closer to $100 when I use more for gardening, filling outdoor ponds, etc.
I am going to try to do three times a week 20% water changes instead of one or two larger changes. Any other suggestions are greatly appreciated.