water conditioner

[Jesse C]

i was at the pet store getting some mice, and i was just wondering around the reptile supplys and i noticed something from zoo med called water conditioner, does anyone use this product or something like it
is it a good thing to use, or is just plain tap water the best?
thanks

[mykee]

In the wild, ball pythons drink whatever water they can find from stagnant puddles or dried up rover beds. Tap water will do just fine, save your money.

[SerpentLust]

Well, it's not like it would hurt to use it. It's just your everyday run of the mill water conditioner plus electrolytes.

From zoomed's website, they state: "The first instant terrarium water conditioner. Great for reptile water bowls, chameleon drip water systems, amphibian enclosures, and aquatic turtle tanks. ReptiSafe® removes chloramines and chlorine, detoxifies ammonia and nitrites, and provides essential ions and electrolytes which help to hydrate newly acquired animals. Also stimulates slime coat development in amphibians and fish."

I have never had a problem using plain tap water for my reptiles. I could MAYBE see going that extra step with amphibs or aquatic species though, mostly because of the ammonia factor as well as the slime coat development part. But for my snakes and lizards and even my bird, plain tap water works for me.

So my thoughts? It can't hurt, but I won't be using it anytime soon...

[Aaron_S]

How do you know it can't hurt? Do you 100% KNOW what is put into this product? They electrolytes and all this other stuff to eliminate all these chemicals. Most of the time, to take away these things from one thing they must add another. Are you sure it's safe enough?

Personally I think it's a waste of cash.

[mykee]

"Don't worry, I'm a doctor. I know for sure that Thalidomide doesn't have any negative side effects other than eliminating your morning sickness"...
Yeah, I guess if it's in there, it CAN'T be harmful...
Water is water is water. Why add crap to it. IT's pretty perfect just the way it is. Don't waste your money or your time listening to people who say that it can't hurt. Can it help?

[SerpentLust]

God guys is it gang up on Jenn day?? I can't PROVE that it's harmful, jesus, I apologize if my wording struck a nerve. If you weren't paying attention I was actually agreeing that it's a waste of money and that I wouldn't use it...

[Aaron_S]

I was playing devils advocate with you.

You had said "It can't hurt" which tends to imply that you do think it's got something in it to help the animal out. I know you were agreeing in the end but it seems you mentioned that you wouldn't use it only as a way to not cover both sides of the fence. So you wouldn't technically be wrong any way you said it. Get my drift?

[SerpentLust]

I do prefer to stay diplomatic. But ok, if we want me to be blunt, I think it's a useless dust collecting shelf filler for pet stores to make money off newbies. I would never add anything to my healthy reptiles' water.

[Aaron_S]

Being diplomatic can get new people into some trouble because there was no distinct answer to their question.

[SerpentLust]

I thought it was pretty distinct. But I guess I'm just better at interpreting my own meanings :p