It may be tempting to just turn on that faucet to fill your aquarium or tank, but take a minute to think about what’s in that water. Do you drink it? Well, no … you drink some kind of filtered water instead. The things that stop you from drinking a lot of that water are related to the reasons regarding what makes RO water better than tap water for fish and other wildlife. Just like pollution in the air we breathe, chemicals in tap water are unnatural and can be unhealthy for fish to live in.

What is in Tap Water?

According to the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality, many communities in this state get their drinking water from sources managed by Salt River Project or the Central Arizona Project.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency sets standards for drinking water, as almost all drinking water contains some impurities. These include natural impurities such as minerals or man-made impurities such as chlorine or other disinfectants, according to the Arizona DEQ.
The taste and smell of drinking water may also be affected by secondary contaminants.

What is RO Water?

Reverse osmosis is water purification technology that removes ions, molecules and larger particles from drinking water. It removes many types species from the water, including bacteria, metal and leads.

What Makes RO Water Better than Tap Water for Fish

Making water drinkable for humans isn’t always healthy for fish, as some fish are so delicate that the water needs to be pristine.
While a small amount of disinfectants can make tap water safe for human consumption, even that amount can be very harmful to fish. The chemicals can harm their skin, and they may even be so uncomfortable with these unnatural chemicals that they will attempt to leave the water.
Purifying the water through osmosis removes impurities, creating a safer environment for the fish.
The water that Seatech uses, for example, utilizes reverse osmosis and deionization. Using clean, pure water in tanks is important for the long-term health of the sea life and may even contribute to a longer lifespan for the fish.

Contact Seatech Aquariums to Learn More

Now that you know what makes RO water better than tap water for fish, it’s time to make sure you have the most suitable environment for your wildlife. Contact us through our Seatech Aquariums website or by phone at 602-628-7270 for specific questions about your aquarium. We’ll be happy to help you create the healthiest environment for your fish.