Collecting rain water

[Michael Day]

I am having a rain water collection system set up at my place for watering the garden. I was thinking that this would be great for water changes in my fish tank (no clorine, cloramine or other nasty additives).
But I need to know if many people do this and if there is anything I would need to do to the water before putting it in my tank?

 

[skjl47]

Hello; I tried collecting rainwater back in the 70's. In between rains the dust and stuff (leaves, bird crap) in the air settles on the surface (roof?) that forms the watershed. Also whaterever the watershed is made of may leach chemicals. I set up plastic sheeting.

I also found that the rainwater at that time was slightly acidic. (acid rain)

I never worked out the problems.

 

[smitty03281964]

Rain water is great but will you get enough for your water changes.

 

[Michael Day]

Getting enough water shouldn't be an issue, because NZ is such a small country and we are surrunded by water so it rains pretty regularly. My collection point is going to be a clear light roof so there won't be any chemicals leaching from old paint or tin. Also acid rain isn't an issue here because most of our rain comes from the ocean

 

[Cleanbio]

I've heard of a few people that do this. But I personally worry about the whole acid rain / pollution water issue which might be worse than tap water. But I guess that depends on the area you live. (i.e rural vs. big city) among many other factors.

 

[Michael Day]

I have a question. All those people with fish rooms who run dehumidifiers to control damp, what do you do with the water produced. Could you recycle that water and put it back into you tanks? The only issue would be if the aluminium (most dehumidifiers have aluminium evaporator coils) puts contaminates/poisons into the water. It would be great to find out if anyone has done this or if it is not practical. Got to be a way to keep the water bill down.

 

[Michael Day]

I did my first rain water water change last night. Did a 50% change on my cold water white cloud minnow tank, the water wasn't as clear as tap water but the UV and filter soon cleared it up. Fish are happy so far no bad side affects so far.

 

[Poklei]

your hardcore