Starting up freshwater tank in rural area (well water)

Question
QUESTION: Hello,

We have moved to a rural area with a well and are not sure if we should use the well water for our tank.  We have access to plain well water (very hard water, untreated in any way), and we have access to well water that has been chlorinated, then charcoal filtered and then softened using Morton Super Saver salt pellets.  For drinking water we have 5-gallon jugs of distilled water delivered but could arrange for delivery of drinking water if that makes a difference.  Which water should we start our 70-gallon tank with, and then what should we do to prep/treat that water?  Thank you in advance.

ANSWER: Hi Gary,
Distilled water is never good for fish.  Fish need the minerals found in tap water, like we need vitamins.  Since you have a choice, I would go with tap water.  When starting a new tank, you must let it run without any fish for 3 weeks to a month.  You will need a good filter to filter 70 gallons of water.  To help with the cycling of your tank, it would be a wise decision to buy a used sponge at your pet store.  A used sponge is full of good bacteria that your fish will need to survive.  You will need a heater depending on which fish you are planning on buying.  Before adding fish, check your water for ammonia, nitrates, and PH level.  You can buy these small kits at your pet store, and they are a "must have" in your fish cabinet.  Make sure that your ammonia is down to zero, and that your nitrates are safe before adding any fish.  Always use a good conditioner such as Stress Coat, or AquaSafe every time you make your water changes.  25% of your water should be changed every week to keep your water safe.  
To begin with, add two fish to your tank when your water is safe..wait a week, check your water again, if the chemistry is right, add two more fish, then wait a week, check again, and so on.  Never put lots of fish all at once in your tank.  The ammonia level would go up, and you would lose your fish.
Hope this helps, and if you have other questions, feel free to write me again.
Lynda

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for your reply, Lynda.  But when you say "tap water", given my description, which "tap" would be best?  The treated one (chlorinated/charcoal/softened) or the untreated one (straight from the well, and quite hard)?

Answer
The treated one, and add Stress Coat or AquaPlus to it.  The untreated one wouldn't be good for fish.  Very hard water, which is untreated would not be a good choice.  The water would be very alkaline, and no filter system could make it safe.  Sorry I didn't specify.
Lynda