This is a reminder to keep close tabs on the status of your municipal water supplies. Anyone receiving water from reservoirs close to wildfire areas needs to frequently check their tap water prior to using the water in any aquariums. There are a number of nasty chemicals that can leech into municipal waters that can either cause immediate damage to your fish or build up over time to cause neurological and physiological damage.
I lost 80% of my fish, in San Diego, after wildfires started between SD and Alpine. The fire retardant that was used contained cyanide. The Water District said the levels were tested in terrestrial species and found to be within gov't guidelines. No tests were conducted on local aquatic species so no alerts were sent out. I've since gone to a 5-stage full house filtration system.
What you can do to prevent fish losses:
-Test your water regularly and especially prior to water changes.
-Consider installing a whole home multi-stage water filtration system.
-Keep cases of bottled spring water handy for water changes during wildfire season.
-Employ cisterns to store rainwater (from a metal roof is preferred over shingles).
Here are results from a municipal water test conducted in southern california:
I lost 80% of my fish, in San Diego, after wildfires started between SD and Alpine. The fire retardant that was used contained cyanide. The Water District said the levels were tested in terrestrial species and found to be within gov't guidelines. No tests were conducted on local aquatic species so no alerts were sent out. I've since gone to a 5-stage full house filtration system.
What you can do to prevent fish losses:
-Test your water regularly and especially prior to water changes.
-Consider installing a whole home multi-stage water filtration system.
-Keep cases of bottled spring water handy for water changes during wildfire season.
-Employ cisterns to store rainwater (from a metal roof is preferred over shingles).
Here are results from a municipal water test conducted in southern california: