Reptile & Amphibian Forums

i'm planning on getting a pair of darts but want to make sure of the water in the tank and pond that is in the tank. is it ok to only use distilled water in the tank for misting and in the pond etc. i wasn't sure if the frogs need any minerals from natural water.

thanks in advance

k

Distilled water is fine. The only one better would be reverse omissos or something water, i cant remember but the filter system cost a lot. Rain water and artesian water is also very acceptable. Tap water may be ok too depending on where you live, but your moss might die after a few months.

The reverse osmosis water the other post was refering to can be received either by you personally buying a machine/filter to make the water, or you can get it out of most water dispensing machines at a grocery store for ~30 cents/gallon.

The benefits of your own machine are that you do not have to lug a large container to the store every time you run low on water. However, the disadvantage is that between the cost of the machine and the necessary filter changes it will cost you a bundle of money in the short-run.

The benefits of the store-bought RO water is basically the opposite of the alternative. It is reasonably cheap. But, you have to lug a large (or several) container to the store when you run low.
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Thanks and Gig Em,
Cliff
0.3 Sipiwlini Tinc's

will i be fine if i just use distilled water or is the reverse osmosis needed? thanks for the help!

k

:

The main difference between RO and Distilled is that RO water retains some of the minerals in water that is filtered out, while distilled will not have those minerals. Unfortunately, that is about as technical as I can get on that topic

I have had success using both, so just use distilled if it is more readily available to you.
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Thanks and Gig Em,
Cliff
0.3 Sipiwlini Tinc's

I was wondering what water type won't leave hard water stains on the glass? Rain water is out of the question since I live in a highly populated area. My drinking water is reverse osmosis (I buy from a water store) but has minerals added. Would a regular vending machine you find near markets have reverse osmosis water without added minerals? I know that the two do taste different. I want to use water that won't stain glass but plants like. Suggestions?

i was told that distilled water also does not leave marks on the glass because theres no minerals to be left behind.
this is what i was told.. it makes sense so thats what i use.

k

Isn't rain water much to acidic? I'm from Maryland a study done by the USGS found fourteen percent of lakes in the region are chronically acidic and many have high concentrations of nitrates (more than 10 milligrams per gallon). Among other things it stunts plant growth and the ability for plants to fight off diseases. strips nutrients from the soil and the level I stated earlier is even strong enough to kill some fish. Since the frogs absorb moisture through there skin isn't it similarly dngerous to them.

A little acidic in the water is actually good for the frogs. As to the amount in the pH i do not know. There was an extensive conversation about how acidic in the water for wild pdf helps in the development of tads (tea leaves mixture). I think people thought that the acidic in the water help fight spingy legs or something im not sure. Someone else here with more knowledge on the subject will have to explain that to you.

As for the acidic level in the rain water by you, yes chances are it will be dangerous. You are located right by a big city. The rain water in different parts of the world are different and some might be acceptable. I live 30 miles from chicago and i do not use the rain water around here. I wouldnt even open my mouth and taste the snowflakes when it falls

Frogs are great indicators in determining if there is too much population in a certain area or in the world. I wouldnt use the rain water by your area.

If you live in a highly populated area like denver or something where the air is really bad. Dont use the rain water.

I'm new to dart frogs and amphibians in general I keep several reptiles but as far as amphibs I've only had experience with fire bellied toads a green tree frog and some dwarf clawed frogs which are quite a bit easier.

I use spring water, and it is only about .50 a gallon. I get the store brand and it has worked great. I might buy a gallon or 2 a month for 4 tanks.
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Kyle
www.kylesphotos.com
1.2.0 D. leucomelas
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