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water for snakes to drink. Options?

T

tracy0416

Tracy
I didn't feel right about posting this in health issues because of what happened to Osiris so I put it here instead.

I give Joesephine bottled water. NESTLE Pure Life "natural spring water" is the Brand I picked up. I have no preference for the brand-- it was just what was in the store.

Now I'm paranoid and I'm just checking in.

Bottled natural spring water is fine right?

What if the water in the bottle is not really spring water but they just say it is. Do any of you have a Brand preference that you know is safe?

Is there anything we should be looking for on the label in terms of nutrient or mineral content to determine if a bottle water is, in fact, safe for our little guys?

Also, is there a treatment for tap water that makes it safe for snakes to drink? Like... if I can't get to the store becuase I have the flu or something, is there a temporary backup I can use for a day or two?

Thanks,
Tracy
 
I use Reptisafe in my snakes water. If you're looking for real bottled spring water look on the bottle. If it's from a spring it will name the spring it's from. I've never used bottled water on my snakes but I had a Dwarf African Clawed Frog that lived for nine years in bottled spring water without any problems :shrugs: .
 
I think all bottled waters should be fine.
Even if they don't come from a real spring, they'll be filtered at the very least, (I would hope so anyways...) and that's all that really matters; that's it's not hard water loaded with minerals and flouride, etc...

You don't ever want to use distilled water though.
 
Korrin said:
I think all bottled waters should be fine.
Even if they don't come from a real spring, they'll be filtered at the very least, (I would hope so anyways...) and that's all that really matters; that's it's not hard water loaded with minerals and flouride, etc...

You don't ever want to use distilled water though.
Click to expand...
I second that
 
I use tap water filtered through my Brita filter. I use it for my fish, so I figured it'd be safe for him as well.
 
tracy0416 said:
Also, is there a treatment for tap water that makes it safe for snakes to drink? Like... if I can't get to the store becuase I have the flu or something, is there a temporary backup I can use for a day or two?
Click to expand...

Tap water is fine. If you live in an area with highly chlorinated tap water, fill up a pitcher and leave it out on the counter for a day or so before using it for your animals. Within 24 hours most of the chlorine will have evaporated out of it.

I go back and forth between Brita filtered tap water and plain tap water. I have snakes, chameleons, fresh water fish, a chihuahua, and extremely delicate tiny exotic birds. Never had a problem. If it's good enough for me to drink, it's good enough for my animals.
 
Can you use the same stuff you use for fish to pull out all that extra stuff or id just leaving it sit over night fine for snakes?
 
I wouldn't waste the money on bottled water because there are no stricter regulations on bottled vs. tap. I use ReptiSafe just to make sure that nothing is in the water that might harm my snake. Its pretty cheap to and lasts awhile if you only have a couple snakes
 
NFS07 said:
Can you use the same stuff you use for fish to pull out all that extra stuff or id just leaving it sit over night fine for snakes?
Click to expand...

No need to condition the water or add special chemicals. Just leave it out for 12-24 hours (24 if the water is highly chlorinated). The chlorine will evaporate out.
 
If it's good enough for you to drink then it's good enough for your snake. Don't compare snakes with fish and their water requirements. A fish lives in water and obtains its oxygen from the water via its gills. Chemicals in tap water can damage mucus on its body and the gills with which it breathes. Just relax, your snake wont care if it's not Evian.
 
I have noticed the accumulation of salts/minerals on top of the log hide from when I mist. This concerns me. I've been misting with bottled water. I also wondered if the water contributed to her last incomplete shed.

As all 'city" water is not created equal, let me tell ya this: tap water here in Toronto is notorious for being loaded with chemicals. Our water, when one leaves on vacation, can sometimes come out a weird colour for the first 20 seconds or so. God only knows really.

I'll try testing the Britta filtered water that I drink and see what the water stains are like on another log.

Although tap water is drinkable, the snake would most likely not be drinking it in the wild so I hesitate. It's also formulated for me, not a snake. Y'know?

Just trying to do right by my baby... but I am gathering from the variety of opinions that I should just chill on the H2O paranoia.

Thanks all.
 
My 2¢:

I think that tap water is just fine. Keep in mind that these are not some extremely fragile animals who need extreme care to thrive. If it's good enough for us to drink, then as far as I'm concerned it's good enough for a corn snake to drink as well. I've been using tap water for the 14 yrs I've been keeping corns and have never ever had a single problem with it.
 
So, if I'm giving my corn bottled water, is it ok if I add water conditioner? I was looking on the label and it only listed its use with tap water. And since I'm new to being a corn parent, I just wanted to make sure I'm not giving my corn anything she's not supposed to be getting. Also, the pet store that I purchased her from gave her tap water, and I'm wondering if giving her bottled water with water conditioner will affect her in any negative way.
 
Hi. Why do you feel you need to use the water conditioner? Bottled water should be just fine.
Did you know that there was a new member forum? You can introduce yourself. Or did I miss it?
 
Well, I'm kinda paranoid. And I want to make sure that there's nothing in the water that could potentially harm my snake. Also, the water conditioner claims to provide electrolytes and calcium to the water.

I know that the snakes already get their source of calcium from the mice that they ingest, but I figured a little more calcium in their diet wouldn't hurt.

As for my introduction, I have already posted it. I just felt the need to post in this thread first and ask my questions.
 
wow

I believe it was long ago our tap water was tested and they found there was crypto in it, I only use bottled water. I am not sure what the exact results were that were found but can find out. I believe it was MegF that notified me of this! Bottle water isnt that expensive and tap isnt worth using imo. I rather be safe then sorry. My collection couldnt be replaced.
 
I personally use tap water that's been allowed to dechlorinate for 24 hours for most of my snakes. There's one who had regurge issues that I've been extra careful with, who gets bottled water. IMHO water conditioners are a risk, and "a little of this ought to help" supplementing can be dangerous. Recall that your snake's metabolism only runs at about 20% of yours; a "little" can be quite a lot. These critters live in the woods and fields, drinking from less than sanitary ponds, puddles, streams, ditches, and hoofprints. I don't advocate ditch water, of course, and it's always great when people want to give their snakes the best care possible. Just don't go so far with the prevention of problems that it becomes or creates a problem.
 
What about reptisafe? I have used in reptisafe in all my geckos and now snakes water. Chlorine will disipate in 24 hrs if left out anyway, but I have heard flouride is bad for our snakes too. I did a search here when I first got my one snake and couldn't find anything pertinent other than flouride is bad, but why? You can look up your local waters testing results too, but I have done a ton of research on bottled water and honestly its not so hot either. For one the platic bottles the water resides in contains bisphenol A which is a very toxic cancer causing agent I wouldn't want myself or snakes to be drinking. Bottled water also isn't as pure or clean as anyone thinks and bottled water tested has been found to harbor fecal matters, traces of antibiotics, chemicals, traces of metals, and ton of other things nor is it regulated in the same ways our city waters are. I would first check to see what your water quality is like before switching to bottled water- for me tap all the way!
 
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