RE: [RML] Re: Filtering tap water (was unhappy xmas)

Adrian Tappin (tappin at powerup.com.au)
Sat, 30 Dec 2000 05:58:15 +1000

At 12:00 29/12/00 +1100, Matthew wrote:
>I used to think it would be pretty neat to have a tank set up that only had
>water changes when it was raining, i.e. the water flows off the roof and
>into the tank which then overflows the tank to a drain. The technical
>difficulties associated with such a system for tropical fish in a temperate
>climate have made me change my mind. If I lived in BrisVegas I'd give it a
>go.

I always found rainwater to be somewhat unstable, especially with the pH
(usually dropping suddenly). Most problems I had with rainbows usually
related to low pH. It would probably be alright if you added some kH
additive to boost the alkalinity.

I know Rainbowfishes are found occasionally in low pH water, but it doesn't
seem to suit them in captivity?

As for temperature - the survival rates for Rainbowfishes in their natural
habitats declines sharply when the water temperature is high and will often
die at temperatures above 36°C. Whether this relates to the temperature or
lack of oxygen, I don't know?

Also, in Brisbane the Council seem to boost the free chlorine levels in hot
dry weather when demand is highest and you may get water from a different
source than you normally do as well.

Adrian.

Adrian R. Tappin
Home of the Rainbowfish
http://www.powerup.com.au/~tappin/