Hey all,
Got a malawi cichlid tank, and I'm aware they're fond of hard water. I'm hesitant to use my RO water for them, so I'm considering alternatives.
I've got tap water as an option, but I've got a TDS meter reading of 148, which is pretty low for tap water.
My question is, can I get away with using un-treated tap water for water changes and top-ups?
Maybe a mix of 50/50 RO and un-treated tap water could work?
Hate the thought of shelling out for aqua-safe at the current price.
Thanks,
Alex
is tap water suitable for cichlid tanks
Re: is tap water suitable for cichlid tanks
I think I've got a handle on your question - you're wondering if you really need to dechlorinate your tap water for your cichlids. In my opinion, the answer is a definite yes. Dechlorinators don't just remove chlorine and chloramines, they also deal with heavy metals, which is a major plus. And let's be real, dechlorinators are pretty cheap compared to other additives you can buy.
If you're looking to cut costs, buying in bulk is a great way to go. Seachem Prime is a solid option - it's potent stuff, so a little goes a long way. I know it can be tough to find in the UK, but it might be worth a look.
I'd advise against a 50/50 mix of tap water and RO, to be honest. Your tap water TDS is actually pretty close to the natural levels found in Lake Malawi - 134-140, according to malawicichlids.com. So, I'd just use the tap water as is, maybe topping it up with some RO water when it evaporates. But if you're doing regular water changes like you should be, evaporation shouldn't be a huge issue anyway. Just find a dechlorinator that works for you and your budget, and you're good to go.
If you're looking to cut costs, buying in bulk is a great way to go. Seachem Prime is a solid option - it's potent stuff, so a little goes a long way. I know it can be tough to find in the UK, but it might be worth a look.
I'd advise against a 50/50 mix of tap water and RO, to be honest. Your tap water TDS is actually pretty close to the natural levels found in Lake Malawi - 134-140, according to malawicichlids.com. So, I'd just use the tap water as is, maybe topping it up with some RO water when it evaporates. But if you're doing regular water changes like you should be, evaporation shouldn't be a huge issue anyway. Just find a dechlorinator that works for you and your budget, and you're good to go.
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littleking - Posts: 44
- Joined: Wed May 18, 2022 11:00 pm
Re: is tap water suitable for cichlid tanks
Eaglebay has pretty much nailed it. I completely agree with his assessment.
You can actually get Seachem Prime on eBay, and the 500ml bottle will last you a very long time. It's around £20, which isn't too bad when you consider the cost and longevity compared to other options like Nutrafin Aqua Plus. For example, a 500ml bottle of Aqua Plus costs about £9, but the dosages are much higher, so it won't last as long.
I used to use Aqua Plus for my 90-litre tank, and I found that the 250ml bottle barely lasted two months. I had to use 22.5ml to treat 90 litres, which is a lot.
On the other hand, I've now switched to using Prime, and I'm really impressed. A tiny 2.5ml is enough to treat 100 litres, which is a huge difference. The maths really does tell the story, and I would definitely recommend de-chlorinating your tap water, even if it means paying for a de-chlorinator.
You can actually get Seachem Prime on eBay, and the 500ml bottle will last you a very long time. It's around £20, which isn't too bad when you consider the cost and longevity compared to other options like Nutrafin Aqua Plus. For example, a 500ml bottle of Aqua Plus costs about £9, but the dosages are much higher, so it won't last as long.
I used to use Aqua Plus for my 90-litre tank, and I found that the 250ml bottle barely lasted two months. I had to use 22.5ml to treat 90 litres, which is a lot.
On the other hand, I've now switched to using Prime, and I'm really impressed. A tiny 2.5ml is enough to treat 100 litres, which is a huge difference. The maths really does tell the story, and I would definitely recommend de-chlorinating your tap water, even if it means paying for a de-chlorinator.
Re: is tap water suitable for cichlid tanks
I've had good luck with pond declorinater, been using it for a while now and no issues. It's pretty potent stuff, so it lasts a bit.
Re: is tap water suitable for cichlid tanks
Cheers guys, really appreciate all the advice. Just picked up some Seachem Prime on eBay. Plan on using it with my tap water, see how it goes. Fingers crossed my cichlids will start breeding soon. Thanks again, Alex.
Re: is tap water suitable for cichlid tanks
All the best with the cichlids, hope they thrive and maybe even breed for you - just enjoy the journey either way.