Distilled Water

[Alexj716]

Right now I am using Arrowhead distilled water for my top off. I would like to use this instead.

http://www.petsolutions.com/Aquarium+Pharm+Tap+Water+Filter-C-10331-C-.aspx

would that be ok? Do I need to get R.O. Supplements?

Thanks

 

[todd2000]

The tap water filter is fine, I've used it for a while, I have recently switched to distilled, because I can spend the same on 60Gal of distilled as it cost for a replacement cartridge for the tap water filter, and I oly get 60ish gallons out of the filter, so distilled is the same price and eaiser. I don't know what you mean by R.O. Supplements, but all you need to do is filter the water through that filter and use it for top off. It comes out perfect at 0 TDS, and for water changes just mix your salt with it, not additiives neccessary. I do plan to get an RO/DI in the near future though, bacause it is the most cost effective solution.

 

[Alexj716]

I'm just tired of lugging the 1gal bottles of distilled water around and spending $1.50 per bottle. If you've used it with no problems I think I'm going to check it out.

Thanks

 

[todd2000]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7052843#post7052843 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Alexj716
I'm just tired of lugging the 1gal bottles of distilled water around and spending $1.50 per bottle. If you've used it with no problems I think I'm going to check it out.

Thanks

1.50 a bottle, glad I don't live in LA . Do you have Wal-Marts out there, I get mine at Wal-Mart for .62 a bottle.

 

[todd2000]

One other thing I would recommend if you go with the filter, is get a TDS meter if you don't have one already. The filter supposedly changes color as it's used up but I've never been able to see a color change, so I just test the TDS and when it starts to rise I buy a new filter cartridge

 

[todd2000]

Also do you only use it for top-off? What do you use for Water changes?

 

[Alexj716]

The nearest Wal-Mart (I think) is about 35 miles from me. It would cost me more in gas (right now $2.79 per gallon) To tell you the truth, I've never been in a Wal-Mart because there isn't one close to me.

 

[Alexj716]

I only use it for top off

 

[todd2000]

So what do you use for water changes?

 

[Alexj716]

I buy ocean water from the LFS

 

[todd2000]

Ahh just wondering

 

[xtrstangx]

If you've been spending $1.50/gal on distilled, then a RO/DI is waaaay more cost effective. I'd get one now before you waste money on a half-effective filter that won't give you pure water or waste money on expensive distilled.

Heres the unit that I use. If you get this, ask them to replace it with the Dow Filmtec 75GPD RO membrane.. it is more efficient and effective, it will be free of charge.
http://cgi.ebay.com/AQUARIUM-2-110G...40987QQcategoryZ20756QQtcZphotoQQcmdZViewItem

 

[Alexj716]

Cool, I'll check it out. Thanks. I know the $1.50/g is killiing me.

 

[xtrstangx]

I did the math when I set up my 40g tank. It would have taken me 9 months for the RO to be cheaper. That included the 40g initial and then water changes.. I didn't take topoff into account (1/2 gallon per day) or the fact that I would add 20g of volume (sump) in a few months. That is 9 months with $.39 distilled.

Your distilled is 4 times more per gallon and your tank is double the volume of mine originally... definately less than 9 months before the RO/DI becomes cost efficient (not to mention probably cleaner than distilled, which can have contaminants from the condenser).

 

[spoiledcats]

If you read the labels on some drinking water it says that it is filtered by reverse osmosis. I bought this type of water for years before getting an RO unit. Since drinking water is usually cheaper than distilled water you might want to check the label. If it says it is filtered by reverse osmosis it's good to go. Of course the RO/DI unit is definitely the most cost effective and easiest in the long run.

 

[Alexj716]

I will check it all out. If I do get an actual RO unit, does it have to be hooked up to the sink? Can I use one of the faucets on the outside of the house?

 

[Alexj716]

Bu-bump

 

[xtrstangx]

You can hook up a RO/Di unit lots of ways. You can hook it up to a sink, a garden hose, or you can connect it to the water supply in your house.

 

[SeaShel]

Just a bit of info from someone who works in the bottled water industry. On whatever water you choose to use, check the pH. Distilled and purified waters are usually considerably lower pH than what we want in our aquariums. This includes what comes out of a household RO unit.
I personally use a water that is "drinking water" on the label. The pH is considerably higher and safer for the aquarium. The minute amount of minerals added are pharmaceutical grade anyway (no contaminants) and therefore, don't interfere.

 

[Alexj716]

SeaShel that is great info thanks