How much tap water can I safely add to my pond? I have a very small pond of 50 gallons. With the small leak near the waterfall and the evaporation, I lose about 5 gallons per week. That's 10% of the volume & it really shows. What I've been doing is filling a tub with water, adding a very small amount of dechlorinator and letting it sit for a day or so before adding. But the tub is killing the grass. Can I add 10% of the volume with tap water without hurting the fish? Is there such a thing as an "instant" dechlorinator that I can add to either the tub or the pond?
You folks are the absolute greatest, with a wealth of knowledge and so willing to share. This morning, I found caterpillars on the plants near the pond & did a quick search to see if BT was safe to use near the pond. Of course, I found my answer in a hurry. Thank all of you so very much.
How much tap water can I add?
I have always added up to 10% straight tap water without any harmful effects to the fish. It would be safer however if you could add smaller amounts more often.
What I would do is top it off every few days if you can. Adding less is better. However if it is goldfish and not koi they seem not be bothered too much by water just out of the hose.
There are lots of instant dechlorinator products. Also, 10% of total volume is a safe amount of water to add without treatment. Dechlorinators are not terribly expensive. Your local pet store will have a good selection in the aquarium section. In case of an emergency or any need to add more than 5 gal in a hurry it might be a good idea to have a dechlorinator on hand.
I add 10% or so to my pond weekly. It comes straight from the tap and doesnt bother the fish or the water lilies at all.
I use a dechlorinator every time I add water.. better safe than sorry. All the ones that I have used seem to work instantly... turn on the hose, add dechlorinator... no problem. Good luck!
Brenda