Need alternatives/suggestions for my water source for tanks

[Gigihammer]

I am still learning and slowly on where/ how to post questions in the correct forum-sorry if this is wrong.
But I have an urgent need for suggestions to my current water source which until recently has been fine. My city sent out a notice about changes to our towns water supplies and no I don’t have those details yet unfortunately. However, I was dealing with a different situation with a few tanks thinking they were struggling because of something else but when I did my normal water changes with separate tanks I noticed everyone is suffering now. So I’m guessing it was the tap water..I can’t be 100 percent my tap water is to blame but I know is. My perfectly healthy tanks declined almost overnight. I did nothing different with them as far as additives etc…
My MOST important question is if I can’t afford an RO system to be installed now what does anyone suggest?
Maybe I am so stressed that there is an obvious answer but I’m a little panicked.
I have 21 small-under 20 gallons- so I need something other than buying jugs of water at least long term. And I have used distilled water but read mixed reviews.
Does anyone know of something I can use that isn’t expensive I could attach to my faucet or a brand name for delivery? Idk with all the other problems I have recently had with my tanks- money is tight but I don’t want to lose all my fish/snails/shrimp. I afraid to even do a water change at this point.
Sorry long post!

 

[Fishadict512]

What is the problem with the new water? You can slowly acclimate the fish to your new water.

Can you test tap water and tank water?

 

[Gnop1950]

Have you tested your tap water, and do you add a water conditioner when you do your water changes?

It would be helpful if you could post the parameters of your tap water.

I do water changes infrequently and even then usually no more than say 10%. I have an RO unit, 100 gallons per Day, that I use to fill up 7.5 and 3 gallon jugs that I use for topping off my tanks. It was about $90 on Amazon. Lower output systems were even less expensive.

There is nothing wrong with RODI or distilled water, but it would need to be remineralized. For my smaller tanks, but I don't have anywhere near as many as you do, I also do water changes using remineralized RODI water.

 

[Fishadict512]

I love my RO unit. I think it was about $100. I use it for much more than just fishkeeping so it's a good investment if you got cash.

 

[A201]

Chances are the big change notification sent to you by the city water department involves a change in purification chemicals.
Probably changing from chlorine to chloramine.

If that's the case simply select a water conditioner that neutralizes both chlorine & chloramine.

 

[ruud]

I think diluted tap water (tap water mixed with pure water) is beneficial for most tanks in the hobby anyhow. And additionally, the effect of inconsistencies in tap water parameters is mitigated.

Alternative to RO or demiwater would be rainwater. The problem is collecting sufficient amounts.

For specific themes/organisms, you want to supplement diluted tap water with specific salts, but many tanks, including (clearwater) Amazonian themes, diluted tap water is all you need.

 

[Fishfur]

Just so you’ll know, there’s no functional difference between RO & distilled water for the aquarist.

Neither contains any minerals but the method used to remove those minerals and most other contaminants is different for each.

Distilling involves boiling the water & condensing the steam while RO uses super fine filters of assorted types.

Not all RO systems are the same in terms of how effectively they remove everything - you do tend to get what you pay for & the most effective filters are more expensive.

There is also the cost for periodic replacement of the filter cartridges for RO systems.

But before you panic, find out just what changes were made. As others have said, chances are pretty good that you won’t need a new water source or at least not for all the water.

Most water conditioners will work on both chloramine & chlorine but if the water has more disinfectant than it used to, you might need to adjust the dose of conditioner or switch to another brand.

 

[FishDin]

The water company's notice is probably on their web page. As suggested, find out what the changes are before trying to mitigate them.

You said that "everyone is suffering". Can you be more specific?

 

[DaveSch]

You probably could also directly contact your water company by phone to speak with someone about what the changes are. It makes the most sense to find out what's going on with your water in order to decide upon your next move.

 

[Gigihammer]

What is the problem with the new water? You can slowly acclimate the fish to your new water.

Can you test tap water and tank water?

I have had the same water for a long time and never any problems. I received a letter in the mail regarding changes to our city water which I have yet to find out what those were.
I had already done water changes before realizing this.
My question was about any suggestions for just bypassing my city water that didn’t include installing an expensive RO system in my house.
I have read mixed reviews on distilled water? Spring water? Like store bought and what brands for example.
I didn’t do a great job in that post explaining that I guess due to my panic .
I still need to do more research.

You probably could also directly contact your water company by phone to speak with someone about what the changes are. It makes the most sense to find out what's going on with your water in order to decide upon your next move.

Thanks It’s on my list but appreciate you!

The water company's notice is probably on their web page. As suggested, find out what the changes are before trying to mitigate them.

You said that "everyone is suffering". Can you be more specific?

I had 3 healthy snails die from the same tank within a day or 2 and a healthy Betta die about 2 days after a water change. So I am reluctant to do anything but top off my other tanks and need to do that.
Normal water change nothing out of routine. So I was crushed obviously. I really just needed a suggestion about a temporary fix until I had time to do more research on the city water.
Like a faucet filter suggestion brand or bottled water brand in the meantime.
I know zero about RO systems except what I googled and now way can I do 1,200 dollars for that right now.
I was hoping someone could point me in the right direction until that day LoL
Hopefully I worded my question better now that I’m not in meltdown mode. I have no favorites but those actually were my favorites sadly.

I love my RO unit. I think it was about $100. I use it for much more than just fishkeeping so it's a good investment if you got cash.

Could you share specifics about brand and where to purchase etc…because that is doable.
I know zero about water systems.
Much appreciated!

I love my RO unit. I think it was about $100. I use it for much more than just fishkeeping so it's a good investment if you got cash.

I just realized the link thanks!

Have you tested your tap water, and do you add a water conditioner when you do your water changes?

It would be helpful if you could post the parameters of your tap water.

I do water changes infrequently and even then usually no more than say 10%. I have an RO unit, 100 gallons per Day, that I use to fill up 7.5 and 3 gallon jugs that I use for topping off my tanks. It was about $90 on Amazon. Lower output systems were even less expensive.

There is nothing wrong with RODI or distilled water, but it would need to be remineralized. For my smaller tanks, but I don't have anywhere near as many as you do, I also do water changes using remineralized RODI water.

I will attempt to post all my water variables I know that’s important. Sorry I haven’t been able to do that yet. But as far as additives to distilled water-
I researched Seachem Equilibrium for my mystery snails but got nervous to use. But I have it. I typically use Prime for my tap water. Seachem Trace Minerals for my cichlids if I use distilled water?
Essentially it comes down to my lack of experience with those products. But I have them though.
I so appreciate this community and the support! I’m am juggling several life events that are also taxing my brain and I feel I should say that I know my posts are often emotionally written and I find it hard to put all the potential variables going on that I think are important to my questions and giving important facts without writing a book. And my brain stress shows in my posts for sure- I’m usually tearing my hair out by the time I sit down to reach out. So thanks for being so helpful to what may seems like silly questions etc…
Not to mention I haven’t learned to navigate this site completely yet.
Anyway thanks again!

 

[StarGirl]

Test your untreated tap water for ammonia before researching any more water systems. You may be fretting for no reason. If your water and tanks show no ammonia it may not necessarily be your water source.

 

[kansas]

If you end up getting a water filter, I have an RO Buddie that was easy to set up and use on a sink in my basement. I wouldn't have room in the kitchen or bath but they don't take up a lot of space.

 

[BlackOsprey]

In a real pinch, you could probably limit the amount of water changes to conserve on water so you're not constantly hauling jugs. My go-to solution is to add a bunch of floating plants. They soak up nitrogenous waste like a sponge and turn it into new plant growth. This solution doesn't really work for tanks with plant-eating fish, of course.

Local fish stores often have their own RO systems and will sell you the stuff by the 5-gallon jug. It's definitely more practical than purchasing jugs from the grocery store.

I agree with everyone saying you should test your untreated tap water too.

 

[Gigihammer]

After I was able to sort all my thoughts and the steps that I took-- despite just my blaming my tap water- I noted a few things that simply just made me wonder and wanted to share. Maybe they are completely irrelevant but who knows?
I was informed that there was a sewage spill that went into local waterways that my sister found out about on the book of faces (LOL) and the post said it was not publicly announced- according to whomever posted it. I haven’t confirmed yet anything yet with the public water department.
My husband reminded me that we used an outside hose to fill jugs for 2 snail tanks- which bypasses our water softener and it was the first time doing this.
I was out of Prime and used Ultimate brand temporarily. I read a lot about it and reviews were good and had it on hand- so not bashing-just stating it was a change. However- tanks affected were not changed more than 50 percent. Which I guess was too much.
I’m doing my best with making a list of water parameters and other facts to help with feedback.
But currently just trying to keep up with getting all my littles (baby snails) safe and trying to log information to post.
I know we all have life events that we go through and I appreciate all the time and advice. I am taking in so much from your feedback even if I can’t respond right away.
My sister was given about 60 days to live per the hospital but my sisters and I are trying so many alternative things to assist and it has taken a lot of my brain power to do this.
Just some insight on how the most obvious solutions may be completely lost in my brain.
Thanks again for your recommendations and feedback!