filtered water

Question
is the water from a brita filter(like the one in the fridge)

neutral?

ex.. nuetral amounts of ammionia,heavy metals and such

can i just use this water instead of buying water stabeliser

thanks

(i got one calico fantail i named nacho i love him very much)

Answer
Good evening Damien, thank you for your question.

The only thing about using water filtered through a Brita is that this seems to strip your water of some of the essential elements that fish need, along with the heavy metals and undesirables, I'm afraid. If I were you, I would mix this half and half with water from another (non-filtered) source to make up for any nutrient content that might be lost.

If you decide to do this, it really is best if you let your water sit in a dedicated container overnight before using it for a water change, to give it a chance to settle. I would still go ahead and use dechlorinator (Prime would be my choice) since there may be chloramines in the water. They do not evaporate out the way chlorine does. Luckily, Prime isn't expensive and at just 3 drops per gallon, a big bottle will last you a very long time! It always does for me.

If you are using any pH up or down products, don't use these since goldfish can adapt to almost any pH as long as it is kept stable. The same can be said for all fish, really.

Using Brita water for your water changes cannot hurt, and will likely help in the long run, but cut it with half "straight" tap water, add a few drops of Prime (a Seachem product) and allow them to mix overnight.

Best regards to you and Nacho. Love the name!
Nicole