- If you need to store only a few gallons for a couple of days, use brand-new buckets. Use these buckets only for working on your aquariums. Do not use buckets that have been used for washing or cleaning because they will contain traces of detergent or chemicals that can poison the water and kill the fish. If you need many gallons of water to store, then use plastic water containers of any size. These can be clean, empty soda bottles if you are in a pinch. The important thing is that the containers have never been cleaned with any type of soap. Professional fish breeders who need more than then 10 or 20 gallons should buy a rain water tank or water barrels.
- Get your tap water tested regularly. If you are going to be storing water at a friend's house, that water will need to be tested. According to "The Everything Aquarium Book," you need to at least test for nitrate levels and phosphate levels. Add water conditioners when necessary to balance these levels. If you need to place a cap on the water before storage, then add a dechlorinator before putting the cap on. If you are keeping the water in a bucket for less than a week, no dechlorinator is necessary because the chlorine will have evaporated.
- Water for fish tanks should be stored out of direct sunlight because sunlight will stimulate the growth of bacteria and algae already present in the tap water. Storage areas need to support the weight of many heavy containers. An outdoor shed or a basement may be ideal. Before using, check for green growth. Discard any contaminated water.
