Expert: Lynda - 11/6/2009

Question
well, I went out and spent a small fortune on a better heater, ammonia testers, they still didn't have Daphnia!
When I got home I immediately used my New ammonia testers to test the tap again...they look fine now!!!  sigh... why everything turned green last night I can't figure out.
So, now that she is in pure R/O water ...I think the water here is questionable still, there is a terrible smell in the building today...we are moving from here soon...Lynda, can I use R/O water if I supplement it with minerals? At least until we move?
I found a product called "Kent Marine Essential Elements" it hascalcium, iodine, iron, magnesium, manganese, molybdenum and potassium in it...says it's for reef and fish-marine aquariums only-that worries me, but it's only a mineral supplement.  Here is what the back of the bottle reads:
"Replaces biologically important trace minerals which are used by marine fish and invertebrates, removed through protein skimming, ozone, and especially carbon filtration. Designed for fish only, and reef systems. Does not contain detrimental heavy metals, phosphates , nitrates, silicates, gluconates or other sugars.  Does not promote undesirable algae growth."
Bare with me, Lynda, I will do ANYTHING for this little girl! I know we've talked about the water before and what you say I believe.  I just do not trust the water in this building, especially after last night!

Answer
Hi Liane,
We still have another problem.  When changing to bottled water, we must make sure that it is pure spring water.  Here in Canada, where I live, it is written on the bottle.  This is the law. Nothing must be added to this water.  I am unfamiliar with Kent Marine Essential Elements, and if it does not mention fresh water fish, then I would not use it.  I prefer tap water, so when you check your tap water, and it reads safe, then you may use it.  There is also the fact that bottled water may not have the same PH as the water she has been use to.  We must consider everything.  Tap water does have the minerals fish need to survive, and fish do better in tap water.  Bottled water is okay if you are stuck, but if you check your water, and it reads safe, then it is safe.  Maybe your test kit was old, and the new one will be more accurate.  I would go back to tap water, if the reading is safe.  When changing fish from tap water to bottled water, this too must be done slowly...so you are in a little rut.  Check your tap water again, and if it reads safe, put your bottled water away somewhere, and use your tap water.
Lynda