Ageing tap water for use in tanks?

[Teamsherman]

Hi guys,

I'm wanting to get a tub to use for water changes in my tanks here at home instead of using tap water and Prime as I go and want to know how long water should sit in the tub before its used in any tanks? Main reason too is I am growing out my Peppermint BN fry in the main tank and want to use the best water I can so I don't shock them too much especially if I do a big water change so I can try to encourage spawning in the adults.

I'm thinking of using a food grade plastic barrel and putting some mesh over the top to stop any mozzies or bugs getting into it and so the chlorine and other bad stuff can evaporate out. I'll still use prime in the water but I want to know how long it should sit before I can start using it after filling it up?

I'm also guessing that I should be using an air pump with a good airstone in the tub at all times as well yeah?

Cheers,

Alan.

[Link2Hell]

Alan I leave my water 3 days and yes you need something to agitate the water

for efficient gas exchange ......... air stone is the easiest

200 litre barrels are reasonably priced or you could get a 1000 litre palicon for

around the $100 mark just note the clear ones will get algae if in direct sun