Newbie from Virginia

[Sheltie Mom]

Hi! We've had a freshwater tank in the house for well over 20 years. Currently, have a 46 gallon bowfront. I always wanted to do a saltwater tank but worried about the expense and being successful. Now we have taken the plunge. It started as a recycling project of a 55 gallon that had previously been used for my son's iguana. We quickly changed the plan and purchased a 75 gallon predrilled tank. My husband spent the summer building the stand. Now we are getting ready to really get going. Obviously, this has been a big learning curve, and I am constantly changing the plan. My newest thought is to get a RO/DI system right at the start. Is that an overkill for a newbie? It just seems a lot more cost efficient and an easier way to fill the tank at the beginning, rather than getting all the water from the LFS. Thanks in advance for any advice.

 

[mandarin_goby]

I wish I had bought my RO/DI when I first started to be honest. 2 years into reefing and I just bought one. The convenience can't get beat.

Welcome!

 

[Cloudburst2000]

Get an RO/DI definitely. It will be cheaper in the long run then purchasing water from th pet store and it is definitely more convenient then lugging water jugs from the store to your home.

 

[reepher315]

Welcome!!!

RODI is the best route especially for a beginner. Unless you have access to a cheap RODI water source. Your fish will thank you.

 

[Sheltie Mom]

Thanks! My husband has started the eye rolling with every purchase, so I needed a little reinforcement for making this decision. We both knew it would be an expensive hobby. We've been able to spread purchases out all summer, but big money is about to be spent, and he's starting to add it all up.

 

[Nace]

The RODI will be a great purchase to have from the start. Some people go without but I know I would never start a tank without one.

 

[ardsman]

I made the mistake of buying too small a unit and after two weeks bought a bigger unit, best move I ever made

 

[ardsman]

I made the mistake of buying too small a unit and after two weeks bought a bigger unit, best move I ever made

 

[duperdave]

you have a great store not too far from you to get water from in fish world. my biggest problem when I leave there is leaving with just water.

 

[Sheltie Mom]

I'm actually fortunate to have two good LFS near me, but trying to transport the water will still not be very convenient and the costs look like they will quickly add up. I'd rather spend the money on the livestock when the time comes.

 

[Xavibear]

I wish I started with and rodi. It would've made my life easier.

 

[SFish]

Welcome to the site

Well to cut down on cost you could get a 4 stage RO/DI unit. You don't have to buy top of the line. Just a thought.

 

[JMorris271]

Just make sure your water TD's will not clog the filters before you can get 100 gals out of it.

 

[duperdave]

Just make sure your water TD's will not clog the filters before you can get 100 gals out of it.

thats the issue I have my water is well water and very sediment heavyweights

 

[JMorris271]

thats the issue I have my water is well water and very sediment heavyweights

Do you have a 100mc filter on the line?

 

[thakki]

Its worth it. I got mine with the tank and other equipment. I think it will pay off on a long run.