Is Aged Water Better For Fish?

[marieukxx]

I've been advised to use aged water for my Betta who is stressed from travelling and his new tank. Is it really a lot better than adding declorinator and using water straight from the tap?

If so how long do I need to age it for?

 

[jonnyf84]

What do you mean by aged? do you mean simply left to stand to burn the chlorine off without dechlor... If so then there is still the chloramine which doesn't burn off naturally so the use of dechlorinator is essential if you want to lock up both particles. The only other benefit i could see is that it would be at room temp ready for a water change but other than that i really dont see the point, if anything i would worry about bacteria starting to grow in water that has been stood too long, unless your planning on keeping it filtered or at least aerated.

Why not use R.O water instead, its lower in nitrates and is soft water ideal for your betta, maybe try adding almond leaves or a bit of bog wood to tan the water and reduce the ph a little.

 

[Katch]

You're in Cornwall so no need to use RO or 'aged' water.

We have some of the softest water in the country which is perfect for bettas and discus etc.

I'd just make sure the water is up to temp and dechlorinated. Maybe let it stand for a few minutes to ensure it's fully gased off and the chloramines are bound down.

 

[coldcazzie]

Dechlorination is instantaneous so other than a bit of a stir there's no need to leave the water to stand.

How long have you had this betta Marie? If he's stressed from travelling then leave his light off for a day, and cover the tank with a towel so it's completely dark, then do a day with the towel off but light still off, then try the next day with the light on.

 

[marieukxx]

Dechlorination is instantaneous so other than a bit of a stir there's no need to leave the water to stand.

How long have you had this betta Marie? If he's stressed from travelling then leave his light off for a day, and cover the tank with a towel so it's completely dark, then do a day with the towel off but light still off, then try the next day with the light on.

one week and he's bitten his tail to shreds. The seller had the same problem with another 5. I've got IAL in there and am leaving the lights off.

 

[ZoddyZod]

one week and he's bitten his tail to shreds. The seller had the same problem with another 5. I've got IAL in there and am leaving the lights off.

I don't believe bettas are capable of biting their own fins.

What is IAL?

 

[coldcazzie]

Indian almond leaves. Think that's what they're called. And they can shred their own tails if they're stressed or bored. Have you tried putting something like a ping pong ball in to entertain him... they're more likely to do it if they're bored... if it's stress it won't help, but if it's boredom it might?

 

[shoulders]

IAL - indian almond leaves

 

[ZoddyZod]

And they can shred their own tails if they're stressed or bored.

I never knew that. Interesting.

 

[marieukxx]

Thanks I don't think he's bored I think it's the stress. I don't care how much time it takes to get back to his former glory but I just want him to stop wrecking his tail!!!