HCA: Hermit Crab Association

Posted: **Sun Sep 11, 2005 7:46 pm**

Just a quick question about water...

I just cleaned my fish tank and now have 2 gallons of Un-opened Distilled Water. I was told by another member that giving them well water could be harmful because I don't know if there are high levels of metal or some toxins, ect. I need to make a new batch of salt water as it is, and their fresh water bowl needs cleaning: Can I offer them distilled water to drink?

Posted: **Sun Sep 11, 2005 7:47 pm**

No, it's not reccomended because it lacks minerals they need.

Posted: **Sun Sep 11, 2005 8:14 pm**

Your best bet is to get those gallon jugs of "Drinking Water." Be sure it doesn't say distilled on it. A lot of grocery stores will carry them, including Wal-Mart.

Posted: **Sun Sep 11, 2005 9:37 pm**

I give my crabs distilled water. They get all the minerals they need from their food and salt water. You can always put a couple of drops of your salt water mix in the fresh water bowl if it bothers you.

Posted: **Sun Sep 11, 2005 9:43 pm**

I think there would be no harm in using the distilled water you have, but I hesitate to recommend it as a permanent water supply, with it's lack of any mineral content. On the other hand, well water can be the other extreme, with too much mineral and metal content.

Wow, that's wishy-washy, huh? Personally, I would use the distilled and also conduct an experiment: mix them and do some water testing!

Posted: **Sun Sep 11, 2005 9:54 pm**

Experiment huh... Dilute the ammount of Minerals (without completely riding the water of them) and Metals by using half (or less) well water and half distilled. Might work.

And I'll also try to start using the gallon jugs of drinking water. It'll say if it contains chlorine/floride right?

Posted: **Sun Sep 11, 2005 10:01 pm**

the mineral content of water is negligible. Here is a description of what the terms mean:

What is Mineral Water?
Bottled water containing not less than 250 parts per million total dissolved solids may be labeled as mineral water. Mineral water is distinguished from other types of bottled water by its constant level and relative proportions of mineral and trace elements at the point of emergence from the source. No minerals can be added to this product. If the total dissolved solids (TDS) content of mineral water is below 500 ppm, or it is greater than 1,500 ppm, the statement "low mineral content" or "high mineral content," respectively, must appear on the principal display panel. If the TDS of mineral water is between 500 and 1,500 ppm, no additional statements are needed. Note: this contrasts to the European definition, where all Natual Spring Waters with a TDS of 0 to 500 mg/liter are considederd Mineral with Low Mineral Content (or just mineral waters).

http://www.finewaters.com/FAQ/Water_Lab ... sp#answer6

250 ppm is parts per MILLION. Crabs are not relying on fresh water sources for minerals. I really wouldn't worry about distilled water. It has the least amount of metals and other harmful stuff of any of them.

Posted: **Sun Sep 11, 2005 10:07 pm**

Kerie [smilie=hail.gif]

Posted: **Sun Sep 11, 2005 10:07 pm**

Oh, stop it you!

Posted: **Sun Sep 11, 2005 10:09 pm**

hehehe I .....am...trying...but.......its....weak.... [smilie=hail.gif]

Posted: **Sun Sep 11, 2005 10:11 pm**

[smilie=headshake.gif]

Posted: **Sun Sep 11, 2005 10:15 pm**

Posted: **Sun Sep 11, 2005 10:24 pm**

Thanks Julia_Crab, another myth debunked. I must once again change my reply to a common question. Thanks also for providing hard evidence to back up your statements and opinions! Marvelous, I must bow to you as well!

[smilie=hail.gif] [smilie=hail.gif] [smilie=hail.gif]

Posted: **Sun Sep 11, 2005 10:27 pm**

See,it's catchy

Posted: **Sun Sep 11, 2005 10:28 pm**

Sheesh! I dub thee Sir Loin of Beef and Sir Rosis of Liver, now get up and quit bowing already! LMAO

HCA: Hermit Crab Association

Distilled Water?

Distilled Water?