Best Water?

[IndianaCorn]

Tap vs Bottled (spring and distilled) I've done searches about this topic and I wasn't convinced one way or the other about which is the best water to give to my corns. Bottled water seems to be preferred over tap water, but is SPRING or DISTILLED best? I know one arguement is that spring water has minerals and nutrients that distilled doesn't have, but is it important to get these from water or can't the snake get this from it's food? What water do all of you give your corns? What are all your opinions on this subject? Does anybody have any scientific data or read anything at some point in the past about this?

IndianaCorn

 

[13mur 6]

I think distilled water is best. It's water in it's purest drinkable form. It's as tasteless as water can get, it's that clean. Spring water has it's tastes, depending on spring (or supposed source). I've also seen some pretty nasty spring water (this is literally spring water, a lil bit of dirt and sand on the bottom of the bottle, also sometimes the pH is a bit off). Tap water you can get away with if you run it through a good filter and let the chlrorine dissipate by letting the water stand. In Ann Arbor, Michigan, the tap water is something you do not want to drink period (it's friggin' orange when it comes out of the faucet). In New York it's not as bad but it tastes nasty if you don't run it through a filter, definately not something you want to drink daily.

General rule would be, if you wouldn't drink it, neither should the corn, or any animal you have.

-13mur 6

 

[carol]

A good way to test the water you are using is to put a small amount in a shallow, dark colored bowl and leave it over or under your heat source until it evaporates. You will be able to see just how much mineral content is left behind. Yes, minerals are good...however, too many can overload a corn's body, especially a hatchling. I have seen "boulders" larger than grapefruits pulled out of the guts of even young horses caused by overly mineral-rich feed.
I know horse and snakes are quite different but it still makes you wonder what an over-abundance of minerals could do to a tiny hatchling corn.
CowboyWay also had a great post on crypto being in some water supplies, which I have heard from doctors can even be in bottled water if not properly processed. I beileve there is a brand by the name of "Sierra" that does the correct processing. Here is his post
http://www.cornsnakes.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=5393
I also know from my experience, I drank lightly filtered tap water ever since I can remember. About 2 years ago I suddenly came down with thyroid disease. I just figured it was genetics or something and focused more on a treatment than finding the cause. About six months ago someone tried to purchase a large plot of land in town that once housed a road flare factory. Recently perchlorate was added to the list of things that must be tested for in ground water and they found tons of it there. It is a chemical used in flare making and rocket fuel and has been known to cause lots of thyroid problems in lab animals. Further tests found it to be in many of the water sources throughout the city. Since they were dumping the stuff for decades, it has seeped everywhere.
So as you can guess, I am not a big tap water fan. I am not totally anti-spring water, there are some good spring waters out there if you have the time to check them out. I just get distilled because I can't find a spring water that does not leave huge amounts of minerals behind in my water bowl test.

 

[CowBoyWay]

Read the label on bottled water...

and look for "ozone" process type purification for off the shelf biologically inactive water.

There are home counter top units that work well at filtering and ozone treating ones drinking water.

These Counter top units uses both filtration and purification technology.
This type of unit work like this...
It is first passed throgh a specially-designed 0.5 micron carbon block cartridge is 99.9% effective in removing chlorine, lead, bad tastes, odors, cryptosporidium and giardia cysts.

After filtering, the UV lamp, which is enclosed in a quartz sleeve, produces ultraviolet light that destroys waterborne pathogens such as bacteria and viruses by penetrating the cell wall and deactivating the DNA so it is unable to reproduce.

The lamp uses only 10 watts and will last 9,000-10,000 hours (should be replaced annually).
The transformer has an indictor light which notifies you if the lamp has burned out. Shop around
http://www.home-water-purifiers-and...hp?PHPSESSID=078a8c961d8d34d488c2ec066b7f9d1f

The Koi pond/ aquarium/ swimming pool people are big on U.V. water purification systems, primarily to keep the inherent green algae problem at bay along with sanitizing the water at the same time.

BENEFITS OF USING OZONE:
Ozone oxidation reactions take place several thousand times faster than those of chlorine for destruction of bacteria, viruses, yeast, molds, cysts, mildew, and most other organic and inorganic contaminants.

Ozone in appropriate doses can treat all water-borne pathogens, while chlorine cannot (given practical, safe doses.)

* Ozone destroys bacteria, mold, and mildew, eliminates spores, yeast, and fungus, and inactivates viruses and cysts.

* Ozone can significantly reduce levels of harsh chemicals such as chlorine.

* Ozone acts as a microflocculant aiding in the removal of minerals such as iron and manganese.

* Ozone leaves no unpleasant chemical taste or smell.

* Ozone dissolved in water will not irritate skin, nose, or ears, nor will it dry out or leave a chemical film on skin.
(swimming pools)

* Ozone does not affect the pH balance of water like traditional chemical treatments

Boiling water does an excellent job of microbioligical purification too.
Be sure to cool to room temperature before using.

 

[IndianaCorn]

CowBoyWay...

Do you know of any major brands that sell water that is purified using the "ozone purification process" you mentioned?

Thanks everybody for you opinions on this subject!!

IndianaCorn

 

[Shaky]

Wild Water

Tap water, though it carries trace elements in it, is just fine for your cornsnakes.
Its been determined in the last 10 years or so that EVERY soource of surface water in the continental U.S. in contaminated and nearly all is unfit for drinking as is.
Thus, wild cornsnakes are drinking polluted water and surviving. Tap is far less "polluted" than untreated sources.

 

[IndianaCorn]

Interesting Shaky...

Though contaminated water might not kill my corns, I'd rather give them what's BEST ;-) That's what I'm shooting for and was trying to find out with my original question.

IndianaCorn

 

[Shaky]

The best...

The best choice is distilled.
Some mention that distilled water carries no minerals, etc., but water is not where we gat many of our minerals at all. While SOME water does carry some necessary nutrients, such as calcium, most water has more harmful chemicals than beneficial. In essence, if you want more nutrients, provide supplements. If you want pure water, necessary for bodily functions, use distilled.
However, all that said, tap is fine. (btw-All the chlorine will leave it in a matter of hours.)

 

[wolfman38]

Just my thought on the issue.

If chlorine (which is harmful to corns as well as humans, in large doses) evpaortes out from your tap water, why would a person spend 3-5 dollars (per gallon) on bottled water or sometimes 5-6 (per gallon) dollars for distilled water, when tap water works just fine? My job is to test groundwater for contamination, and I use a lot of distilled water, tap water, and even de-ionized water. So, I have seen, what is in many different types of water in all different parts of this country, but have not yet seen any conclusive evidence (mineral and/or chemical wise) to which is better for animals tap water or distilled water. I just don't see why we, the snake's keeper, should rob them of the much needed minerals and nutrients that is found tap water by giving them distilled water. And spend our hard earned money on distilled water or bottled water when you pay so much per month on your water bill anyway.

 

[moreptiles]

Distilled water is dangerous to your snake

I asked Don Soderberg recently about this, and this was his strong opinion. The lack of minerals in the water will leach the minerals out of your snake and will cause harm. If you are using bottled water for your snakes, use the spring water or drinking water.

The same is true for people. You need the minerals found in normal water. Save the distilled water for your iron.

mark

 

[bmm]

I agree with the point that since 100% of water in the states is contaimenated the wild corns are probably drinking worse than tap water.

And chlorine does evape very quickly.

I dunno. I use tap always and my snakes all seem to be eating, breeding and living fine.

bmm

 

[Shaky]

I disagree...

...without proof.
Distilled water is pure. Show me research prooving that pure water actually leaches minerals from your body and I'll believe it. I have no proof that it doesn't. Its just what I believe, just as everyone else is giving their opinions.
However, I give my snakes tap water, which I often drink myself.

 

[moreptiles]

Early Death Comes From Drinking Distilled Water

Early Death Comes From Drinking Distilled Water

by Zoltan P. Rona MD MSc

During nearly 19 years of clinical practice I have had the opportunity to observe the health effects of drinking different types of water. Most of you would agree that drinking unfiltered tap water could be hazardous to your health because of things like parasites, chlorine, fluoride and dioxins.

Many health fanatics, however, are often surprised to hear me say that drinking distilled water on a regular, daily basis is potentially dangerous.

Paavo Airola wrote about the dangers of distilled water in the 1970's when it first became a fad with the health food crowd.

Distillation is the process in which water is boiled, evaporated and the vapour condensed. Distilled water is free of dissolved minerals and, because of this, has the special property of being able to actively absorb toxic substances from the body and eliminate them.

Studies validate the benefits of drinking distilled water when one is seeking to cleanse or detoxify the system for short periods of time (a few weeks at a time).

Fasting using distilled water can be dangerous because of the rapid loss of electrolytes (sodium, potassium, chloride) and trace minerals like magnesium, deficiencies of which can cause heart beat irregularities and high blood pressure. Cooking foods in distilled water pulls the minerals out of them and lowers their nutrient value.

Distilled water is an active absorber and when it comes into contact with air, it absorbs carbon dioxide, making it acidic. The more distilled water a person drinks, the higher the body acidity becomes.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, "Distilled water, being essentially mineral-free, is very aggressive, in that it tends to dissolve substances with which it is in contact.

. . . .


The longer one drinks distilled water, the more likely the development of mineral deficiencies and an acid state. I have done well over 3000 mineral evaluations using a combination of blood, urine and hair tests in my practice. Almost without exception, people who consume distilled water exclusively, eventually develop multiple mineral deficiencies.

Those who supplement their distilled water intake with trace minerals are not as deficient but still not as adequately nourished in minerals as their non-distilled water drinking counterparts even after several years of mineral supplementation.

The ideal water for the human body should be slightly alkaline and this requires the presence of minerals like calcium and magnesium.

Distilled water tends to be acidic and can only be recommended as a way of drawing poisons out of the body. Once this is accomplished, the continued drinking of distilled water is a bad idea.

Water filtered through reverse osmosis tends to be neutral and is acceptable for regular use provided minerals are supplemented.

Water filtered through a solid charcoal filter is slightly alkaline. Ozonation of this charcoal filtered water is ideal for daily drinking. Longevity is associated with the regular consumption of hard water (high in minerals).

Disease and early death is more likely to be seen with the long term drinking of distilled water. Avoid it except in special circumstances.

Zoltan P. Rona MD MSc


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

REFERENCES

Airola, P. 1974. How To Get Well. Phoenix, AZ: Health Plus Publishers.

Baroody, Dr. Theodore A. Jr. Alkalinize or Die. Californiaortal Books, 1995.

Haas, Elson M. Staying Healthy with Nutrition. The Complete Guide to Diet & Nutritional Medicine. Berkeley, California:Celestial Arts, 1992; p. 22.

Rona, Zoltan P. and Martin, Jeanne Marie. Return to the Joy of Health, Vancouver: Alive Books, 1995.

Rona, Zoltan P. Childhood Illness and The Allergy Connection. Rocklin, Californiarima Books, 1996.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

[CowBoyWay]

Just say no to distilled water...apparently.

I did not know that about distilled water.
Interesting.

Ozonation of this charcoal filtered water is ideal for daily drinking

I agree that is probably ideal, but not practical for most people, without buying the equipment.
Reverse osmosis/ ozone treated bottled water would probably be a good choice for a readily available H2O source for the "average" hobbyist with a couple few snakes...

There are microbial agents that are sneaking into the water supply that chlorine doesn't necessarily kill when used at safe levels.
(Cryptosporidium Oocysts....)

I am currently using charcoal filtered tap water with ten drops of Grapefruit seed extract (G.S.E.) per gallon as a water purification/ anti microbial and general overall health tonic.
Reverse osmosis water (soft water) drops my PH too much to my liking with G.S.E. added.
With the "hard alkaline water" we have out here (800 ppm - 1,200 ppm, primarily Calcium and magnesium...) the g.s.e. makes the PH about neutral to ever so slightly acidic, 6.7 - 6.9 ph is ideal, with 7.0 being neutral, neither acidic nor base / alkaline. G.S.E. has a PH of approx 2.0

Their are many opinions on water apparently,
Why, I remember "when Water was Water", many, many moons ago...(tell us grandaddy)...
the thought that somebody would actually pay for a bottle of water was a foreign concept/ bordering on ridiculous...Why everybody knew that you just walk over and turn on the ol' faucet and mother natures finest H2O will come flowing forth...
The water selection at a grocery store consisted of Distilled water. period. Specifically sold just to iron your clothes with.
As time goes bye...couple, few bucks for a little bottle of drinking water, madness i tell you.

When its all said and done, the vast majority of snake keepers are going to walk over to the tap, turn it on, put a little squirt of dish soap , cleaner-up a bit and rinse, fill it , replace. ritual complete.

And since we mentioned Mr. Don at "South Mountain Reptiles" earlier in this thread , I'd like to quote his Corn Snake Care sheet regarding water...

Each cage should also contain a water dish that is large enough for the snake to submerge in. Your snake will soak in the water when the cage is too hot or sometimes to soften skin before shedding. The water is also approximately 15 degrees cooler than the surrounding air in the cage and will facilitate thermoregulation. The water should be changed at least twice a week or more if it gets soiled or cloudy. Tap water often contains chlorine and fluoride that can be harmful to your snake. It is recommended that you at least dechlorinate tap water or bottled water. Water softeners add too much sodium to the water.

Letting tap water "stand" overnight, loosely capped (In your recycled milk jug), will allow the chlorine to dissapate. Chlorine is introduced as a gas at water treatment plants, if I'm not mistaken, and readily evaporates out of solution given a little time.


Fluoride in the water, another hidden factor, so many subtle variables in the equation from state to state, country to country..

As far as drinking water, many independents have dubious sources. I'm looking at a the label of a bottle
of drinking water. It says ROCKY MOUNTAIN DRINKING WATER.Sounds good doesn't it. It was bottled in Sante fe springs, sounds good still...Till you figure out that sante fe springs is in the "hood" over by Compton in Los Angeles.
Old (O.G.) L.A. neighborhood. Artesian well, probably true... pure unadultared water flowing out of the ground of the greater Los Angeles basin area.., I doubt it. In any case, nowhere at all in the slightest near the Rocky Mountains nor Sante Fe's (New Mexico) "Springs". Ahh marketing 101...Give it a purrty name. ;~)

 

[Shaky]

response to the Zoltan article...

With all the facts he places in the beginning of the article, he still has no proof, as he says,
"Disease and early death is more likely to be seen with the long term drinking of distilled
water. Avoid it except in special circumstances."
"More likely" does not amount to proof in any sense.
Even so, there seems to be some substance to what he states.
I have a couple more problems with his "statements of fact", but I'd have to ask him directly.

In all, a thought provoking thread. Thank you.

 

[carol]

LOL, maybe we should give our corns a 50/50 mixture of distilled and spring. . I guess moderation is the answer to every thing. Too much or too little is a bad thing. However, I still can't find spring water that doesn't have huge amounts of minerals, but I haven't tested them all. I plan on keeping a lot of holdbacks from a particular clutch, I am considering doing a water experiment with them over the next few years. Keep 10 and have half on distilled and half on spring or something like that. I think it would be interesting.