OTHER DISSOLVED SOLIDS
A great many other substances are to be found dissolved in water. Their content
is generally low and does not pose any problems, and some of them, such as micronutrients,
are even very beneficial. This term covers a variety of elements including vitamins
and metals, which in tiny quantities are indispensable to life.
Iron, for example, plays a role in the composition of hemoglobin, the red blood
cells which transport the oxygen taken in by the branchiae. It also participates
in the photosynthesis of plants, which have a tendency to turn yellow if there is
an iron deficiency. Manganese is equally important, as it is one of the components
of chlorophyll, the green pigment in plants that allows them to absorb light and
develop.
There are, of course, other metals that are also naturally present in water,
but their concentration hardly ever exceeds a few thousandths of a mg/liter, and
some, such as copper, become toxic if it goes beyond this limit.
Origin and quality of fresh water used in aquariums
The simplest and cheapest means of obtaining water is turning on a faucet, but
there are other possibilities, especially when it comes to obtaining natural water.
Domestic water
As long as water is drinkable, there is no reason why it is not suitable for
fish. In some regions the water is sometimes too hard (general hardness above 11°GH),
and so the option of mixing it with softer water must be considered.
Domestic water must never be introduced in large quantities into an aquarium
which already contains fish. It is also advisable to let it settle for 24 hours
to eliminate any excess of gas (caused by the pressure). When filling a tank before
putting it into operation, this step is not compulsory, as it will not be housing
fish immediately.
Natural water
Natural water close to home usually shares many of the characteristics of domestic
water, as it makes up a large part of the public water supply.
However, it should be possible to find water with different characteristics not
too far away.
Spring water
This is the most desirable water, as it is the purest, with no suspended material,
little or no organic matter and a high bacteriological quality.
Well water
This is of a similarly good quality, although it sometimes contains an excess
of gas. It can occasionally be slightly ferruginous (containing iron), which favors
the growth of plants.
Movement in water, whether in a natural setting or in an
aquarium, is the best means of enhancing its oxygenization.
Rainwater
Rainwater is soft and acid, so is useful for diluting water that is too hard.
It should be collected in plastic containers; if these are put under a gutter, take
care not to collect the first water, as this will have cleaned the roof. In urban
and industrial areas, rainwater is liable to contain pollutants, and it is therefore
not advisable to use it.
Stagnant water (ponds) and still water (downriver)
Such water can pose a microbiological risk, and it is not advisable to use it.
Demineralized and distilled water
Their pH is neutral or very slightly acid, with little or no hardness. Their
high price means that they are only used for mixing with hard water, or for filling
a small rearing aquarium. Do not forget that softened water cannot be used.
Bottled water
This is often referred to as mineral water - erroneously so, as some brands contain
hardly any minerals and are quite soft. These are certainly not used to fill up
huge tanks, bottle by bottle, as this would be too expensive and time-consuming,
and therefore serve a similar function to that of distilled water.
4 Some mineral water can be used in aquariums.
|
