Zebra danios are freshwater species in lakes and rivers free from chlorine and other heavy metals. But untreated tap water contains chlorine and heavy metals that can cause significant damage to your fish. So, will your zebra danios be able to survive in tap water? Let us find out.
Zebra danios cannot survive in unprocessed tap water as it contains chlorine that can damage the fish’s gills. It usually has heavy metals that can weaken the zebra danios immune system. Consider using offset tap water that does not contain chlorine-based disinfectants and other toxic chemicals.
The below article will discuss the disadvantages of unprocessed tap water for your zebra danios. In addition, we will also learn to prepare suitable tap water for zebra danios.
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Can I use tap water for my zebra danios?
You can use processed tap water for your zebra danios as it is free from all the harmful chemicals that can cause severe health issues to your fish.
Unprocessed tap water contains chlorine and chloramine that can damage your zebra danios gills, eventually making them weak and prone to several diseases.
Therefore, we advise you always to treat your tap water with a water conditioner to ensure your fish’s well-being and a longer lifespan.
Why is unprocessed tap water harmful for zebra danios?
Chorine and chloramine present in the tap water can poison your zebra danios.
Unprocessed tap water contains harmful chemicals like chlorine and chloramine that can lead to severe health issues in your zebrafish.
Chlorine is used to remove water-borne bacteria like E-coli and disinfect the water in the public water systems making it safe for us.
But using it for your zebra danios can cause severe harm to your fish, eventually leading to their passing away.
The chlorine in the tap water can burn the gills of your zebra danios which are the respiratory organs that help them to intake oxygen and release carbon dioxide.
Chloramine and chlorine in the tap water target the gills of your fish, eventually making them suffer a lot and pass away.
Placing your zebra danios in unprocessed tap water for an extended can destroy their gills, eventually making them pass away.
Therefore, we advise you to treat the tap water with a water conditioner before adding it to your zebra danios tank to ensure your fish’s well-being.
Chlorinated water can remove the good bacteria from the tank.
Adding untreated tap water to your zebra danios tank can eliminate the good bacteria from the tank that required for your fish’s well-being.
Good bacteria develop in the tank’s filter and substrate through regular water cycling and helps to convert the ammonia into nitrate, making it safe for your zebra danios.
Ammonia spikes further can lead to several health problems like ammonia poisoning in your zebrafish, eventually leading to their passing away.
Heavy metals in the tap water can cause severe damage to zebra danios
Many other harmful metals like zinc, cadmium, and mercury are present in high accumulation in tap water, which can lead to several health issues in your zebra danios.
Tap water in some places also contains a good amount of lead and copper that is not harmful to us but can lead to severe health issues in your zebra danios.
A high concentration of metals in the tap water induces pathological changes in fish, eventually weakening their immune system and making them prone to several diseases.
How long can zebra danios survive in untreated tap water?
We advise not using untreated tap water for your zebra danios as they will not survive for more than 24-28 hours.
Unprocessed tap water contains heavy metals like zinc, chlorine, and chloramine that can destroy your zebra danios’ gills, eventually leading to your fish’s passing away.
So, we recommend treating the tap water with a water conditioner before adding it to your zebra danios tank for your fish’s well-being and a longer lifespan.
Also, read:Â Why Are My Zebra Danios Dying?
How to prepare suitable tap water for zebra danios?
Below are the ways to prepare suitable tap water for zebra danios
Tap Water Conditioner
Adding water conditioner to your untreated tap water helps to eliminate the harmful chemicals like chlorine and chloramine from the water.
Chlorine and chloramine in the tap water can cause severe damage to your zebra danios, even if they are in a low volume.
You must choose the right type of water conditioner for your zebra danios, as some of them are only used to eliminate chlorine from the water.
A water conditioner that only treats chlorine will offset chlorine content but leave the other harmful chemicals behind.
So, we advise you to choose a water conditioner that eliminates chlorine and other harmful chemicals from the tap water.
You can use an API tap water conditioner as it eliminates the harmful chemicals from the water.
It is available on Amazon API TAP WATER CONDITIONER.
Pre-treated or filtered water
Filtered and pre-treated water is also readily available in pet stores, free from all harmful chemicals, and can be applied directly to the tank.
However, pre-treated and filtered water is expensive than water conditioners, not making it an ideal option for your zebra danios tank.
You should use a water conditioner in a moderate quantity in your zebra danios tank as excessive water conditioner can bind the oxygen level that can drop the tank’s oxygen level.
Can zebra danios survive without a filter?
Zebra danios will not be able to survive for an extended period without a water filter in the tank.
A water filter helps to eliminate the harmful chemicals from the water, making it safe for your zebra danios.
As zebra danios do not have any specific demand for a water filter, you can add any filter to your tank.
We recommend adding a Fluval High-Performance water filter to your zebrafish tank as it removes all the toxins from the water, maintaining the tank’s water quality.
It is available on Amazon  Fluval High-Performance Aquarium Filter.
Also, read: Do Zebra Danios Need A Filter?
Conclusion:
- You can use processed tap water for your zebrafish as it is free from all the harmful chemicals that can cause severe health issues to your fish, eventually passing them away.
- Untreated tap water contains harmful chemicals like chlorine and chloramine that can lead to severe health issues in your zebrafish.
- A high concentration of metals in the tap water induces pathological changes in fish, eventually weakening their immune system and making them prone to several diseases and parasites.
- We advise not using untreated tap water for your zebra danios as they will not survive for more than 24-28 hours.
- Always treat your tap water with a water conditioner to ensure your fish’s well-being and a longer lifespan.
Reference: NCBI