Water

AlittleSalt · February 7, 2015

As we all know, we have to hydrate plants. My questions are basically simple, but I can see how this thread could get a little complicated.

I have a 29 gallon Freshwater fish aquarium. This morning, I turned on the aquarium light and noticed that it's time to clean the aquarium. Another light turned on at the same time...hmm, using aquarium water to water plants.

First question: The product I that I use to remove chlorine for the aquarium is called, "Start Right". The container advertises, "Conditions tap water, removes chlorine, adds slime coat, and natural aloe vera". Would using the, "Start Right" to condition the water that I bottom water my tomato, pepper, and other garden seeds be better than just using tap water?

Another form of removing possible water contaminants is boiling the water.

Second Question: How about using the aquarium water that I need to remove to clean the aquarium? I usually throw the aquarium water into our compost bin. But now, I'm curious about using it for bottom watering my plants in their cells?

What do you think?

snugglekitten · February 7, 2015

If you use the aquarium water on your seedlings you will get a biological richness from the fish waste, and you will also get a residue from whatever else you put in thre, chemicals included. Its a mixed bag really, also you have to consider that if your fish got sick - and you put anti-biotics in their, you will be feeding that to your seedlings as well. If your fish are still sick, you will be transferring whatever disease is in the aquarium water.

Blueaussi · February 7, 2015

I use the aquarium water from the breakroom aquarium to water the breakroom plants. The breakroom is a windowless, 'cause my lab is down in the dungeon, so the plants only get light from the ceiling florescent. And, they do alright.

If you're concerned about chlorine in the water you give your seedlings, all you have to do is leave it uncovered somewhere for about 24 hours, and most of the chlorine outgases on its own. I don't worry about it, and my seedlings do fine.

KarenO · February 7, 2015

I think you could use it on mature plants but I would not use it on seedlings. Water your shrubs, roses etc with it so as not to waste it if you like but it would be possible too high in ammonia (nitrogen) for seedlings and unpredictable at best
KO

AlittleSalt · February 7, 2015

I was thinking of basically the same thing. I have not added anything but Start Right and fish food. All of the fish look healthy, but there's no way I can be completely sure. I think I'll not use the water from the aquarium for the seedlings. Besides, odor gets trapped in plastic, and I don't want my cells smelling like fish waste.

So for me, Question number two has been answered.

Nightware · March 15, 2015

Planted freshwater aquarium, or not? I'm starting from seed, first time, and am considering using water from my heavily planted 180gal. And the lighting....., and that shelf in the center should be just the right temperature.....

Tapwater pH is 9, aquarium is very nearly neutral. I don't treat for chlorine - let the water stand a day or two (helps with the temperature shock, too) and it's been good to go.

exception is when I notice water main work in my area, I hold off for a week using the tapwater for the aquarium - they usually introduce a higher local dosage at the work site, which I had a negative experience with, once.

February 7, 2015	#1
AlittleSalt BANNED FOR LIFE Join Date: May 2014 Posts: 13,333	Water As we all know, we have to hydrate plants. My questions are basically simple, but I can see how this thread could get a little complicated. I have a 29 gallon Freshwater fish aquarium. This morning, I turned on the aquarium light and noticed that it's time to clean the aquarium. Another light turned on at the same time...hmm, using aquarium water to water plants. First question: The product I that I use to remove chlorine for the aquarium is called, "Start Right". The container advertises, "Conditions tap water, removes chlorine, adds slime coat, and natural aloe vera". Would using the, "Start Right" to condition the water that I bottom water my tomato, pepper, and other garden seeds be better than just using tap water? Another form of removing possible water contaminants is boiling the water. Second Question: How about using the aquarium water that I need to remove to clean the aquarium? I usually throw the aquarium water into our compost bin. But now, I'm curious about using it for bottom watering my plants in their cells? What do you think? Last edited by AlittleSalt; February 7, 2015 at 10:40 AM. Reason: Freshwater Aquarium

February 7, 2015	#2
snugglekitten BANNED Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Land of the White Eagle Posts: 341	If you use the aquarium water on your seedlings you will get a biological richness from the fish waste, and you will also get a residue from whatever else you put in thre, chemicals included. Its a mixed bag really, also you have to consider that if your fish got sick - and you put anti-biotics in their, you will be feeding that to your seedlings as well. If your fish are still sick, you will be transferring whatever disease is in the aquarium water.

February 7, 2015	#3
Blueaussi Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: South Carolina Zone 8a Posts: 1,205	I use the aquarium water from the breakroom aquarium to water the breakroom plants. The breakroom is a windowless, 'cause my lab is down in the dungeon, so the plants only get light from the ceiling florescent. And, they do alright. If you're concerned about chlorine in the water you give your seedlings, all you have to do is leave it uncovered somewhere for about 24 hours, and most of the chlorine outgases on its own. I don't worry about it, and my seedlings do fine.

February 7, 2015	#4
KarenO Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Vancouver Island Posts: 5,922	I think you could use it on mature plants but I would not use it on seedlings. Water your shrubs, roses etc with it so as not to waste it if you like but it would be possible too high in ammonia (nitrogen) for seedlings and unpredictable at best KO

March 15, 2015	#6
Nightware Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: Saskatoon Posts: 3	Planted freshwater aquarium, or not? I'm starting from seed, first time, and am considering using water from my heavily planted 180gal. And the lighting....., and that shelf in the center should be just the right temperature..... Tapwater pH is 9, aquarium is very nearly neutral. I don't treat for chlorine - let the water stand a day or two (helps with the temperature shock, too) and it's been good to go. exception is when I notice water main work in my area, I hold off for a week using the tapwater for the aquarium - they usually introduce a higher local dosage at the work site, which I had a negative experience with, once.