Distilled water does not contain the minerals and other elements that fish need to survive, so they cannot survive in it. Fish need a certain level of dissolved minerals in their water, such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sodium, as well as trace amounts of other elements such as iron and zinc. Distilled water does not contain any of these essential elements, so fish cannot absorb them through their gills or skin. As a result, fish that are placed in distilled water will quickly become sick and die.
How Long Can Fish Survive in Distilled Water?
The length of time that a fish can survive in distilled water depends on the species of fish and the size of the fish. Smaller fish will generally die more quickly than larger fish, and some species of fish are more tolerant of distilled water than others. For example, goldfish can survive in distilled water for up to a few days, while some species of tropical fish can only survive for a few hours.
Signs that Fish are Dying in Distilled Water
There are a number of signs that can indicate that fish are dying in distilled water. These signs include:
* Lethargy
* Loss of appetite
* Difficulty swimming
* Gasping for air
* Cloudy or discolored gills
* Red or irritated skin
* Fin rot
* Tail rot
* Death
If you notice any of these signs, it is important to remove the fish from the distilled water immediately and place them in a tank of conditioned water. Conditioned water is water that has been treated with a water conditioner to add essential minerals and elements.
How to Treat Fish that Have Been Exposed to Distilled Water
If you have fish that have been exposed to distilled water, there are a few steps you can take to try to save them.
1. Remove the fish from the distilled water immediately and place them in a tank of conditioned water.
2. Turn off the filter in the tank and let the water sit for several hours to allow the chlorine and other chemicals to dissipate.
3. Add a water conditioner to the tank according to the directions on the package.
4. Gradually increase the temperature of the water to the recommended temperature for the species of fish.
5. Feed the fish small amounts of food and monitor their water quality closely.
6. If the fish show signs of improvement, continue to treat them with conditioned water and monitor their progress.
If the fish do not show any improvement within a few days, or if their condition worsens, it is best to euthanize them to prevent further suffering.