Local fish store doesn't use RODI

[ReefMagician]

Hi,

I want to a local fish store recently to see what they had as well as get some advice on my upcoming build. They told me that they do not use a RODI system. They just use some sort of tablet (or bottle). I was just wondering if this is typical or not. The fish and corals looked healthy.

 

[Monte26]

The three fish stores in my area offer rodi for sale, so I'd assume they're using it as well. Never heard of a lfs not using it. Maybe it's more common in some areas vs others?

 

[Bashiier]

My LFS Does not use it they just purely use tap and all there stuff looks fine from what i can tell

 

[jrr98002]

No, it isn't really typical, although I've known of it happening in a few cases. Mostly with new low budget LFS that don't have the equipment yet.

 

[jsnrho82]

I have been running tanks off tap water for 8 years. Aside from some algae, I see no ill effects at all (I keep a 100 gallon SPS system).

Take a look at the water quality report for your area, you might be pleased with it. Just be aware that the water company will periodically flush the system with extra chlorine. You should use extra Prime, or let the water sit more during those times.

 

[reefer1970]

Possibly the reason is, Rodi helps long term and helps control algae growth by removing phosphates. Perhaps they do water changes so frequently to control ammonia from new fish that long term it doesn't matter? Maybe rodi takes too long to produce for what they need daily.

 

[Sk8r]

If said fish store was in my market, our local water would give them sky high nitrate, phosphate from local fertilizer (wheat fields), pesticides, with a soupcon of aluminum and effluent from an old rail road refueling station, I fear. Very, very few places have water from the tap that will not have consequences for fish and corals.

 

[snorvich]

Very, very few places have water from the tap that will not have consequences for fish and corals.

I agree. And it will limit choices and require problem solving going forward.

 

[Ron Reefman]

It can be done. A friend of mine used his well water which has a TDS of 120 in his 220g reef tank and it did just fine. He stored it for a few days while he aerated it and then used it.

But in the big picture, it's way easier to get an RO/DI system and use good water. You avoid a ton of other 'potential' issues. If you have a 55g, 75g or bigger tank and an RO/DI of $150 is out of the question financially, you may be in the wrong hobby. If you have a small tank (I had a 30g for a couple of years at the start) you can use distilled water from the grocery store or buy from a LFS.