another RO/DI ???

[enemec1]

can you use just RO water for a FOWLR tank and later add a DI unit when I switch it to a reef tank?

Do you need a the DI part if you have a reef?

 

[theop]

I don't know the scientific answer, but here is my opinion:

I think you would be fine with just RO water in a FOWLR tank. Many people use RO only in their reef or worse. However, you'd probably have less algae problems with the DI since reduction of phosphates is much improved with the DI resin.

 

[Fast Fred]

I would tend to agree with theop. You should be fine with just R/O.

 

[bertoni]

It's quite easy to add a DI cartridge to a RO setup. Many vendors sell kits for this purpose. I'd probably not take any risks, and use DI from the start, but people keep some nice tanks with RO-only water. A lot depends on the quality of the tapwater.

 

[enemec1]

thanks

 

[dchao]

DI not only removes phosphates, but any traces of chlorine and chloramines (both are harmful to fish). IMO, DI will give you Peace of Mind, knowing that nothing will get through.

 

[Subrafta]

dchao -- Chlorine breaks down RO membranes, but the carbon pre-filters should remove it before it reaches the RO stage (a good reason not to skimp on replacing your cheap(rer) carbon stages to protect your RO stage).