COnditioned Tap water vs. RO/DI

[cschweitzer]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9246768#post9246768 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by lifesworksataol
i know everyone is going to hate me for saying it - but my water in deltona is 230 ppm and i used it in my reef for 8 months before i finally got a ro/di unit - gotta do what you gotta do - but it seems you might have a new local friend that might be able to help you out- i used it and it was fine - no real problems to list in all that time

Nope, no hating from me...trust me, I've done a lot worse than this to my tanks before; not purposefully, of course. 230PPM is still on the lower side, but this solution is not recommended for many reasons. First, addition of heavy metals, sediments, anything in your regular water is allowed to contaminate the tank. Second, addition of phosphates, nitrates, etc. Third, increase in microalgaes, need a lot more cleaning and upkeep, more sensitive animals could die(nudis, fragile corals, finicky fish, etc.)

So, yes, it is possible to do this. I would highly recommend against it, though. Also, if this is a last resort and you must use tap, use a tapwater conditioner. This is very important as it will lock some of the worse parts to where they will not affect the tank as much.

 

[seth16]

I would do that, but first off, my bike needs to be repaired, and also, the ride is WAY too rough for that, i ride my bike EVERYWHERE includeing Aqua-Hollics, but it is too rough of a ride for anythine like that......good suggetion though

 

[DJChesnutRabbit]

I just did a TDS check on my tapwater. It's 148. I don't know how much diffrent yours would be Seth.

 

[seth16]

BUT IF I USE TAP WATER, WOULD I HAVE TO BUY EXTRA CHEMICALS TO ADD TO IT? AND I THINKWE ALL GET OUT WATER FROM TOHO SO IM SURE IT WOULD BE THE SAME...IDK FOR SURE THOUGH

 

[55semireef]

Tap water just creates problems that will never end such as phosphates, heavy metals and worst of all algae. Why can't you buy your water in 5 gallon buckets to save trips to the lfs for your parents sake?

 

[seth16]

even if i do that, i t would take me about 15 trips....but i will find a way, i have a new local friend that said he's help me out.

 

[55semireef]

Why would it take you 15 trips? How many gallons are you planning on filling?

 

[seth16]

IDK....50 in a 75 gallon tank...???/ is that about right?

 

[55semireef]

Yes since the liverock and sand is going to displace the water. What I did was bought 45 gallons of individual 1 gallon jugs when I first setup my 55 gallon. Boy that was fun smooshing those jugs that night. I just put all the jugs in the F-150 and made it in one trip. But I wouldn't recommend what I did. It was quite annoying.

 

[seth16]

i bet that was

 

[sytanek]

Why not just buy an RODI? I got mine from PurelyH20 for not to bad of a price. Its a 4 stage for like 129.00 Its their cheaper 4 stage, but it gets the job done. Water goes from 299 TDS to 0.

 

[seth16]

i will eventually, but the more intortant things to run a tank come first

 

[DJChesnutRabbit]

Just let me know whaen your ready and we'll work it out.