deciding on water: city water vs. well water

[clm08k]

Recently, I had to tear down all 3 of my tanks. Starting from scratch and wondering if it will make a difference in fish health which water I choose.
I have access to city water(first test tube) and well water(second test tube). Have not yet done a test for metal in the pipes. Although this would probably be most helpful. Well water must have sulfur in it because it smells like eggs.

1. Which water would be best for freshwater fish? In particular bichirs.
1b. Saltwater fish? although typically I use RODI for my saltwater tank.
2. Which water would be best for growing plants?
3. Any parameters that I should correct?
4. pH is really high in both. Around 7.6...anything I can do to bring it down?

 

[clm08k]

kno4te , J jaws7777 , Vancouver_98683

 

[jaws7777]

I think the polys would do fine with either ph.

No one better to answer this question than duanes

Just a guess i would say the city water. Only because we dont know what else is in the well. Have you tested the well for nitrates ?

 

[kno4te]

duanes more than qualified to answer.

The question i have is....did u have ur well water tested already? Also agree with J jaws7777 cause between the two I'd say county water if not tested.

 

[Grinch]

The main drawbacks to city water are fluctuation in water chem, fluctuation in chlorination, and increased cost of both the water and the water treatments.

Well-water *could* therefore be better than city water, but it depends on your situation. Do you know the groundwater is clean? Do you have control over the well-head area such that you can ensure that the well head doesn't receive pollution (e.g. spilled oil, fertilizers, pesticides/herbicides)?

City water could be easier because someone else is monitoring these issues and actually testing the water for contaminants on a regular basis.

 

[Fish Tank Travis]

Maybe it's just the lighting but doesn't it look like there is a little ammonia in the well water?

I would say the city water, treated, is going to be better for fish and other aquarium animals. However, the well water is probably better for plants because they will use the extra "stuff" that's in the well water.

 

[skjl47]

Hello; I was on well water for over ten years at one stretch. The water had a bit of Sulphur smell and left iron stains on toilets and tubs.
I drank it and used it in my tanks . Tanks ran fine. Only issue with a water change was temperature. Had I the choice and the well water is good enough to drink, then I would at least try the well water.
With multiple tanks you could try both.

 

[jaws7777]

Im currently on well that is filtered. Best thing is no water bill lol.

 

[Fish Tank Travis]

Im currently on well that is filtered. Best thing is no water bill lol.

That must be nice. My water seems to be more expensive than most other communities and my water bill is always pretty high.

 

[kno4te]

Im currently on well that is filtered. Best thing is no water bill lol.

Was planning to do that one day but now the wife tells me she wants to move. Gotta wait.