Water from dehumidifier

[dimfer]

is it safe to put water collected by dehumidifier back to the aquarium? Mine collects about half gallon a day when set at 40%..

just wondering

 

[beblondie]

I wouldn't,I'd be concerned about contaminents picked up in the water passing thru the machine

 

[Ali]

I heard that the water collected in a dehumidifier passes through copper so I would not use it for fish tanks unless you run it through carbon first.

 

[WyldFya]

I would not, the water from a dehumidifier is not safe for even humans to drink.

 

[dimfer]

ok, thanks folks... you guys are the smartest cookies in the planet

 

[CHOMPERS]

I wouldn't,I'd be concerned about contaminents picked up in the water passing thru the machine

The moisture in the air also acts like a sponge, sticking to many air impurities. As the moisture condenses in the machine, it is also wicking up many remaining impurities. The water gathered in the machine is not pure by any means.

 

[fishdance]

I say give it a go with some sensitive test fish. I wouldnt be too worried about air impurities unless your room air is really bad. (If so, you shouldnt use an air pump into your tank either). I also wouldnt worry too much about copper pipes leaching toxic levels of copper unless your water is really hot. Almost all household pipes are copper and I actually use a little background copper in my systems to prevent white spot & velvet.

I dont use a humidifier but I would do a simple test for a little while. Some tetras and scale-less fish are notorious for being chemical sensitive.

 

[Bogwoodbruce]

No i wouldn't risk it.

 

[Oddball]

I researched this subject quite a bit for another member a year ago. There are some minor and major drawbacks to using reclaimed water from a dehumidifier. If the unit is new, the water is relatively safe. But, even new units have to be checked for suitability of using the condensed water due to anti-oxidant coatings from particular manufacturing plants. IMO, it's just safer to use the water on outdoor plants then to use it in aquaria.

Dehumidifiers:
-with copper coils can have high enough levels of copper in the condensate to kill off all inverts and harm the livers of many fish and herps.
-Any oils/chemicals in the air will also be concentrated in the condensate tank.
-Unless cleaned every couple of days, the mold commonly found in the cases and condensate tanks of dehumidifiers will be more concentrated than the tank is normally exposed to from the ambient air.

 

[DasArab]

I heard that the water collected in a dehumidifier passes through copper so I would not use it for fish tanks unless you run it through carbon first.

Tap water passes through copper, well in the UK it does, are you saying we shouldnt use tap water in our aquaria too?. However Ive heard you cant use water from a dehumidifier either.