Question: Safe Water

[jnb1984]

Would water that collects from my AC/dehumidifier be safe to use as
aquarium water? (since its just water, no chlorine, or other chemicals
that are in tap water) which would mean i don't need to use tap water
conditioner? or is that a bad idea?

[alicem]

My = I'd be concerned.
The water from your dehumidifyer is pretty pure, with no chlorine, obviously.
Because there are no disinfectants in it, the collection tank often grows mold and gets gunky.
Also, if the coils that collect the humidity aren't really clean, they may transfer bad stuff too.
Not very scientific terms, sorry.

If you are wanting soft neutral water, I think you'd be better off buying R/O water.

We can wait and see how other's weigh in on the subject.

hth,
alicem

[Shawnie]

Im with alice...freon and other things that the ac filters out would scare me....Id not risk it ..tap water conditioners arent that bad and some even have extra nutrients and things to benefit the fish

[aquarist48]

Hello jnb. Personally I wouldn't use it either. Not only is it pulling moisture from the air but who knows what it's pulling out along with it. Bacteria, mold, smoke perhaps? I don't have any scientific information either. It just doesn't sound good and I'd be afraid to trust it. Too, there could very well be a pH issue as well. Don't know for certain though.
I'm anxious to see other replies as well.
Ken

[10gallonmadness]

Yes, it's dangerous. It could pull in toxic disinfectants and air fresheners from the spray cans. Just use water conditioner. It's really not hard, and most have beneficial nutrients for your fish like Shawnie said. Also without any disinfectants in it (chlorine, chloramines, etc) mold, gunk, and bacteria would probably run amok in the tank. You would be better off using conditioned tap water and going form there. You would be juggling your fishes lives if you tryed it .