RO/DI Cycling question

[dfm34]

I am setting up a new tank and will be cycling with LR, my question is do I need to fill my tank (60gal) with RO/DI water from the beginning. My thought process is since cycling a tank will create poor water quality with the spike in Ammonia Nitrites and Nitrate could I just add RO/DI water as I do my water changes?????

 

[smleee]

Nope, way too many contaminants in non-RO/DI water. Chlorine, chloramines, iron, phosphates, etc. come to mind when I think of tap water. May not be in yours, but they could be.

eee

 

[snarkes]

If you're cycling with LR, the cycle may not be too long so dont hurt your system by using tap.

 

[Agu]

There are a lot of trace elements/pollutants in tap water. They are fine for human consumption but not for a reef tank. Why introduce them in the first place ? For the small incremental cost over the life of the system it's not worth it to start out on the wrong foot.


imo,

 

[Pete1399]

Tap water usally contains a lot of phosphates which will equal a lot more algae to deal with. Use RO water!!!

 

[L and L]

<img src="/images/welcome.gif" width="500" height="62"><br><b><i><big><big>To Reef Central</b></i></big></big>

Got questions for you.

What type of water are you looking to at instead of ro/di? tap water? Are you going to use a water conditioner to take out things like clorine/cloramine/phosphates/silicates?

Why would you want to do this? To save money?

If you are using tap water, is it well water or municipal? Total dissolved solids and other pollutants could be in there.

Everything about the health of your system is tied to water quality.

I myself would start it off the best water quality and continue with it.

 

[L and L]

yikes... you guys are quick on the replies.... Gee, when I started typing... there were no replies....

Apparently I need a speed typing course.

hehe

 

[smleee]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7354997#post7354997 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by L and L
yikes... you guys are quick on the replies.... Gee, when I started typing... there were no replies....

Apparently I need a speed typing course.

hehe

It took you 16 minutes!!!!

eee

 

[dfm34]

Wow thanks I was away from the computer a while and glad to see the info. I was thinking of using tap. But now I see it as penny wise and dollar foolish. I am running out to get an RO unit tomorrow.