I switched to using RO/DI water this winter. I love the convenience of making my own water instead of draggin in the jugs of distilled water that I used to use. Problem is that I am now having to run my magnets to clean the little layer of green algae that grows on the glass. When I was using distilled water, I had no algae on the glass. I haven't changed anything else. Is the water the culprit? I don't have a phosphate test kit. Does RO-DI still contain the phosphates?
Algae question
- Thread starter iaJim
- Start date
Jojoyojimbi
New member
it depends on the quality of the RO unit really, some intended for drinking water can still have 200 ppm total dissolved solids or more, i'd suggest getting a sample of your water off to someone with a TDS meter
Jojoyojimbi
New member
huh, well then, it might be possible that the RO unit letting phos through
jtesdall
Premium Member
If phosphates were coming through it wouldn't have a 0.00 TDS reading would it?
Answer this folks: Isn't it a common thing to have to clean the glass of green ot brown algae in a well established tank?
Jim, I would also question the substrate. I also have this problem. Depending on the answer to my above question, I think it is my 1 inch crushed coral substrate that is causing my problem. I am planning on upgrading to a 4 inch sand bed soon. I have a read that a substrate can leach phosphates. My PO4 is close to 0 however, but not quite zero.
Answer this folks: Isn't it a common thing to have to clean the glass of green ot brown algae in a well established tank?
Jim, I would also question the substrate. I also have this problem. Depending on the answer to my above question, I think it is my 1 inch crushed coral substrate that is causing my problem. I am planning on upgrading to a 4 inch sand bed soon. I have a read that a substrate can leach phosphates. My PO4 is close to 0 however, but not quite zero.
