Caring for your aquariums and household appliances

The information below outlines the most critical elements that need to be addressed, and how this relates to the tap water we provide. It is not designed to replace advice of qualified pet shops or aquarium retailers.

To ensure the safety of your fish and other aquatic pets, such as hermit crabs, frogs, snails and turtles, follow this general guide:

• Never add water straight from the tap to your fish tank, aquarium or pond.
• Know your tap water by checking your drinking water profile.
• Talk to your pet shop about the right testing kits and conditioning products for your fish tank, aquarium or pond and the type of aquatic or amphibian pets you keep.
• Perform ongoing quality management of the water in your fish tank, aquarium or pond, frequently testing pH, temperature and free ammonia levels as a minimum, and making adjustments where required, as advised by your pet shop.
• Regularly change small doses of your fish tank, aquarium or pond water – no more than 10-20 per cent at a time.
• When performing water changes, prepare the tap water according to your pet shop’s advice before adding it to your fish tank, aquarium or pond. This can be done in a bucket.
• For chlorinated tap water, follow the instructions on the conditioning bottle or product packaging.

For chloraminated tap water, see below. Manufacturers’ dosing recommendations may need to be increased.

For chloraminated tap water, keep in mind:

• You may need to apply more than the recommended dose of conditioning agents and ammonia removal resins. Be careful when using de-chlorinating agents that contain other additives which may be harmful in higher dosages.
• Water conditioners may not remove free ammonia that is often present in chloraminated tap water (see point 3 below).

2. Measure and manage pH and temperature

Incorrect pH or temperature can increase the level of the toxic form of free ammonia in your tank, aquarium or pond. Free ammonia is toxic to aquatic pets at high levels (see point 3 below).

Ammonia is naturally present in fish tanks, aquariums and ponds as a waste product from fish excretions and decomposing organic materials such as uneaten fish food. Free ammonia in high levels is toxic to aquatic animals and it is not typically removed using water conditioners. Proper nitrogen cycle processes are the most effective way to manage free ammonia levels. This applies to fish tanks, aquariums or ponds that use any type of water.

When: Test regularly and manage where required, including during water changes, as advised by your pet shop.

How: Your pet shop can advise on how to manage free ammonia in your specific situation. Options may depend on the aquatic species you keep and may include:

• Appropriate aquarium gravel or other products that support a balanced nitrogen cycle, such as products that may increase the number of helpful nitrifying organisms within your fish tank, aquarium or pond.
• Some granular carbon filters can be useful for removing free ammonia.

• Some aquatic plants also promote a balanced nitrogen cycle and can add to the aesthetic appeal of your fish tank, aquarium or pond.
• Ammonia removal resins can reduce free ammonia levels significantly – they may need to be applied at a higher than normal dose when using chloraminated water.
• Products containing ‘good bacteria’ (bacterial inoculums) may be used to promote a balanced nitrogen cycle within your fish tank, aquarium or pond. Speak to your pet shop for advice.