how long to leave tap water

danny boy · #1 (**permalink**) 20-04-2011, 10:11 AM

hey,
my ponds water levels is getting abit low, so i just wanted to ask how long should i leave tapwater before its safe for a pond, i filled a bucket around a week ago and put a little of the pond water in it, will this be safe yet? thanks for reading

artdemole · #2 (**permalink**) 20-04-2011, 10:15 AM

I used to use a hosepipe raised up so it got a good sprinkle from about 6foot.That used to be okay.Never had any harm done that way.

Tringa · #3 (**permalink**) 20-04-2011, 11:16 AM

The last time we cleaned out the pond we refilled it with tap water. The frogs and newts were back in before it was even half full and all the plants we put in are thriving.

If you only need to add a bucket full or two then I would not bother waiting any time. If there are any chemical in tap water that could have an adverse effect on wildlife they are going to get very diluted very quickly.

Dave

Cowgirl · #4 (**permalink**) 20-04-2011, 12:27 PM

My pond has a slow puncture,(have had the whole thing apart & still can't find it) so I have to top up 'bout an inch a week. (pond 16x10x4'), no idea how much volume water that is, maybe someone can tell me?

I can't afford to have a filter installed into the water flow or to continue replacing the filters, so I have to use a hosepipe (luckily not on a meter). I don't want to do this but no choice really. Wildlife & fish still flourish, tho I have a constant battle with blanket & duckweed.

I was told as long as I'm not doing a massive water change, it'll be ok, which is why I try & keep it topped up, so I'm only adding a small percentage.

tom00_uk · #5 (**permalink**) 20-04-2011, 08:55 PM

by using a tapsafe product and it can go in right away,

STYRBJORN · #6 (**permalink**) 21-04-2011, 09:44 AM

In the longer term, could you set up a rainwater butt? A friend has a wildlife pond and all the rainwater off his garage roof goes into it. At one time he had nigh on as many creepy-crawpies in the butt as in the pond!

Ric

Richard Baber · #7 (**permalink**) 21-04-2011, 12:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by STYRBJORN

At one time he had nigh on as many creepy-crawpies in the butt as in the pond!

Ric

Time to visit the coloproctologist...

kathateria · #8 (**permalink**) 21-04-2011, 04:28 PM

I use a hose pipe,straight into my tropical fish tank,with seachem prime.That removes any harmful additives to the tap water.Use that if you are worried.

Its expensive.But the small amount you need....1ml per 10 litre bucket it last for ages

SEACHEM PRIME 500ml remove chlorine ammonia . | eBay UK

Paul mabbott · #9 (**permalink**) 21-04-2011, 06:23 PM

I'd agree that saving rainwater for summer filling is a great idea.
With regards to using tapwater, it all depends where you are and few of the people in this thread make that clear. Those of us with Yorkshire water can use it at any time, piossibly decanting it for a few hours to warm up - probably applies to a lot of areas using hill water. On the other hand, those getting tapwater which has been recycledmany times and treated chemically should definitely leave the water for a few days - this will allow the chlorine gas to evaporate but will do nothing for dissolved solids - there is no way of removing those without distilling or deionising the water: expensive and wasteful.