Lily Vase Series

3. Distilled vs. Tap Water
By: Crystal, Healthy Betta

Distilled water is good - for humans.

Bettas need the natural minerals found in water to feel 'alive.' When water goes through the distill process, these minerals are removed.

Yes, when using distilled water you do not have to do anything to it but drop the fish in. No, your fish is not better off because you use distilled.

I have heard many instances where a person changes from using distilled water to tap water and it seems as if someone has breathed life into their little fella.
Now, when changing over from distilled to tap, you have to do a few things. First of all, you must gradually acclimate your betta to the new type of water. You can do this by doing a partial water change (take a cup out, add a cup in) and keep doing so until the betta is used to the new water type.

Also, because there is chlorine in tap water, you will need to purchase a water chlorine remover. Go to your local pet store or fish store and ask.

When treating water, it is always best to age the water. Aging means setting aside the water in gallon jugs and adding the chlorine remover (and any other conditioners you choose to use for your betta). Let the water set out overnight. The next day, when you do your water change, the aged water is close to the temperature of the existing water in the tank/vase/container. Now you can change the water and safely drop your fish back in without any stress beyond being in a smaller container during a water change.

*** Remember, only use hot water to rinse out tanks!

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Water Changes - a necessity