Is Boston Tap Water Safe for a Planted Aquarium?

Many aquarium hobbyists in Boston wonder whether the city's tap water is safe for their planted tanks. The answer to this question is both yes and no, and it largely depends on the type of plants and fish you have in your aquarium. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the safety of Boston's tap water for planted aquariums.

Boston Tap Water Quality

Before we dive into the safety of Boston's tap water for planted aquariums, let's first take a look at the quality of the water. The Boston Water and Sewer Commission (BWSC) is responsible for supplying potable water to Boston residents, and the water quality meets or exceeds all state and federal drinking water standards. The BWSC conducts regular testing to ensure that the water is safe for consumption and other domestic uses.

Chlorine and Chloramine in Boston Tap Water

One of the main concerns for aquarium hobbyists is the presence of chlorine and chloramine in tap water. Chlorine is added to municipal water supplies to kill off harmful bacteria and viruses, but it can also harm fish and plants in high concentrations. Chloramine is a combination of chlorine and ammonia that is also commonly used in municipal water supplies as a disinfectant.

In Boston, both chlorine and chloramine are added to the water supply, and the levels can vary depending on the time of year and other factors. To make tap water safe for aquarium use, it's necessary to remove both chlorine and chloramine.

Using Tap Water for Planted Aquariums

For planted aquariums, tap water can be used as long as it's properly treated to remove chlorine and chloramine. There are a few different methods for removing these chemicals from the water, including adding water conditioner, using activated carbon in the filter, or allowing the water to sit out for 24-48 hours before using it in the tank.

If you're using tap water in your planted aquarium, it's important to regularly test the water parameters to ensure that the pH, hardness, and other levels are appropriate for your plants and fish. Different types of plants and fish have different requirements when it comes to water quality, so it's important to do your research and adjust accordingly.

Alternatives to Tap Water

If you're concerned about the quality of Boston's tap water or simply want to avoid the hassle of treating it for your planted aquarium, there are other options available. Many aquarium hobbyists prefer to use distilled water, reverse osmosis (RO) water, or a combination of the two for their tanks. These options are free from chlorine, chloramine, and other impurities that can be harmful to fish and plants.

However, it's important to note that these types of water don't contain the minerals and trace elements that fish and plants need to thrive. If you're using distilled or RO water for your planted aquarium, it's necessary to add a mineral supplement to the water to ensure that your plants and fish are getting the nutrients they need.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Boston's tap water can be safe for planted aquariums as long as it's properly treated to remove chlorine and chloramine. However, it's important to regularly test the water parameters to ensure that it's appropriate for your plants and fish, and to adjust accordingly. Alternatively, distilled water, RO water, or a combination of the two can be used, but it's necessary to add a mineral supplement to ensure that your aquarium is getting the necessary nutrients. With the right care and attention, a planted aquarium can thrive using any of these water sources.