DittoI use filtered tap water. I was under the impression that snakes didn't like water that had been sitting around for too long and it is recommended that water be replaced every second day.
Not sure if it was an old wives tale but when I kept fish I would use a hose into a bucket but would hold the hose about a meter above the bucket to splash the water and release the chlorine. I am not sure what science is behind this or if it even worked but I used no chemical neutralising agents and had no problems with fish dying. As you have said though you used water straight from the hose with heavy water changes with no problems either.Pythons especially will tend not to drink water that has been sitting for more than one day. Techniques for water purification have improved significantly in recent times and the amount of chlorine added these days is less. Some water supplies may substitute chloramines, which last longer but have less smell and taste.
If you keep fish, this may be an issue depending on the amount of chloramines present, as water aging products invariably rely on sodium thiosulphate (photography fixer) to neutralise the chlorine. This will not remove the ammonia released from the chloramines but a biological filter, an activated charcoal filter or a good a rapidly growing aquarium plants will. I have done 90% plus water changes with neons, ancistrus, ember tetras, harlequin rasboras, coolie loaches, platies, angels, kribs, guppies and a few others in my attempts to get rid of heavily tannin stained water – and refilled the tank, which is well planted, straight from the hose. The amount changed was built up over time and experience. I think it says something about the quality of water you get out of your tap these days compared to that of the past.
Blue
Enter your email address to join: