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Water Quality Water quality is critical to keep saltwater fish healthy and vibrant. Quality should be adjusted as needed before being added to an aquarium, then managed through the use of frequent water changes, proper filtration and good feeding practices. Never add fish to an aquarium filled with unconditioned tap water. Municipal tap water usually is treated with disinfectants (chlorine or chloramine) that are poisonous to saltwater fish and invertebrates. Tap and well water also may include harmful heavy metals, such as iron and copper, and must be treated with a water conditioner to remove these substances. Bottled, spring or well water also can be used and usually are free from most contaminants. Never use distilled water in aquariums because it lacks nutrients vital to overall fish health. Some pet stores offer RO (reverse osmosis) or RO/DI (deionized) filtered water, from which harmful substances have been removed using special filters. RO or RO/DI water is a good option in areas where tap water is particularly bad for fish, even after the addition of water conditioners. Customers with very large tanks may be interested in buying a RO or RO/DI unit to accommodate required water changes.
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