7 replies to this topic

[rptraut]

There are many chemicals in treated tap water.  Things like chlorine, fluoride, and the salts from water softeners are the things I'm wondering about.  Chlorine is very evident in the air when I run a tap, especially when it is hot, and I wonder about this off gassing in a confined space like a formicarium.  Could this be a reason for a sudden colony collapse?  Chlorine is toxic to bacteria; I wonder how safe it is for our ants.  Perhaps our treated water is contaminated water to an ant.

[Ant-nig321]

It's safe,i use treated water for almost all my ants and they are still thriving.

[rptraut]

I use untreated well water or rainwater for my ants and I don't have any problems either.  I just wonder what would cause a colony to die off for no apparent reason.  I've never really had this happen - there's always been a reason when a colony of mine has failed, but I have read about this happening to others.  I thought I would ask the question because I've never read that any specific type of water should be used for ants.

[Ant-nig321]

So what are your suggestions i.e what kind of water do you or anyone think is best for ants.ALSO,have you used any treated water for your colony and they all died off?

[LowQualityAnts]

There was a guy I think on reddit who said the he used his tap water without problems for all his insects and fish and then his city changed the water and all his stuff died.

[rptraut]

I have read that when chlorinated water is to be used for watering plants, it should be allowed to sit for 24 hours to allow the chlorine gas to escape.  I think this would be a wise precaution if you are using the water for ants.

[Ant-nig321]

?? Ok thanks.

[ANTdrew]

I have read that when chlorinated water is to be used for watering plants, it should be allowed to sit for 24 hours to allow the chlorine gas to escape. I think this would be a wise precaution if you are using the water for ants.

I think that’s all that needs to be done. None of my colonies have been harmed by tap water.