Distilled water question

[VtJohn]

Thinking about going with a smaller reef set-up to start, and wondering about using the water from my de-humidifier (until I can justify a RO unit). I understand that distilled water has zero buffering, or alkalinity, so pH swings could be dangerous. Is there a recommended additive someone may suggest?

 

[eckrynock]

[welcome]

I'm not sure using dehumidifier water is a very good idea?..... Read that somewhere. As far as distilled water, aerate for a good 24 hours. Add your salt mix. Check pH and alk. Buffer accordingly. Most salt mixes are made to buffer to 8.3 or 8.4 with distilled water so make sure you check your params before adding buffer.

 

[Toddrtrex]

Back when I had my 10g set up ( and I didn't have a RO/DI maker ) I used distilled water exclusively. Other than adding salt to the water, I never had to anything to it.

HTH

 

[Amphiprion]

Using a dehumidifier is not a good idea. Airborne chemicals, etc complexed with the water will remain in the condensed water. RO water has no buffering capacity either, but that is why you watch the buffering capacity of the tank as a whole and the salt mix if need be. Only use either distilled or RO/DI.

 

[Abysswater]

I used distilled for awile too! I did not have problems with it. utill when I got my Ro/Di unit and TDS tester, I tested the distilled and it had 87 ppm of TDS. but worked good with IO salt.

 

[sassyfishy]

I wouldn't use dehumidifier water, either. Aren't most of the condenser coils made of copper??

I have no problem using distilled bottled water. Like some of the others have mentioned, I simply add salt.

 

[VtJohn]

Thanks for the input, folks. Sassyfishy is correct in that the tubing is copper... hadn't thought of that.