BrianBSHS
Aquarium Advice Apprentice
How long does tap water have to distill before I can use it in my tank? I don't have the chemical drops to put in it.
How are you distilling it?? This is not a common thing for one to do in their home... If you are distilling water, it is either distilled, or it isn't, there is no time involved.
Just letting it sit might not make it safe at all. Chlorine will offgas in as little as 8-12 hours (or even quicker if you add some aeration or a powerhead). However, chloramines, if your tapwater contains them, will not off gas.
If you are on public water, you need to use a conditioner to be sure that the water is safe to add to the tank - it is a necessary part of the hobby... and about the only chemical I ever recommend one add to their tank.
Not necessarily. It would PROBABLY be ok, but some bottled water is taken from city water sources, and is not filtered for chlorine or chloramines.