RODI vs Spring Water treated with Prime

[RioReefr]

Ever since I started my tank, I have always bought my RODI water from my LFS store (almost across the street from me).
More recently though, they lost their only "responsible" aquarium person. The replacement staff are well...college kids that just need a job. All their tanks have gone to sh*t in my opinion inside the store since losing their only knowledgeable person. I just don't trust any them in replacing their RODI filtration membranes regularly.

For my own drinking water, I get mountain spring water that tastes great at a fraction of the LFS RODI water.

So, my question:

Can I just use this mountain spring water and just treat with Seachem Prime?
I change out my GAC every week, so I would guess what little minerals are in the spring water probably gets filtered out with the GAC anyway.
BTW, I mix my water with Red Sea Salt (normal formula).

(At some point I will get a RODI system, so I know that would be a better answer).

 

[Joe0813]

I think you'll be fine if you use distilled water.

 

[Gezkovich]

I usually use rodi from my LFS, but when I can't I get distilled water and use that.


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[D-Nak]

Just bite the bullet and get your RODI system now. It'll save you money in the long run, and is more convenient than lugging bottles around.

Spring water may have minerals and whatnot that are probably harmless but it's not "pure" water like you'd get from an RODI.

 

[2_zoa]

A very quick google search tells me that there is 300 springs in Brazil. If you are truly located there....

Which rang from low TDS to high mineral content. So, the true answer for you. Is your gonna have to try it out and see how things go for you. I also wouldn't be surprised if it changes from season to season.

When I bought distilled water. I had issues that were driven by silicates. While the guy I was trying to follow while I got my feet wet. Had zero issues with the same water in his tank. I, in the end, wound up getting a RO/DI unit. I've never looked back since.

Your just going to have to try it out and see how it goes.

 

[RioReefr]

A very quick google search tells me that there is 300 springs in Brazil. If you are truly located there....

Yes, I am located in Rio de Janeiro. You guys probably won't understand this...BUT, here there are many things that are simply not accessible nor r available...namely Distilled Water. You simply cannot go to a major supermarket or a Walmart. You cannot buy White Distilled Vinegar either.
RODI water can only be purchased at an aquarium store and there are actually very few. It just so happens there is one located on my same street, but now there are just idiots working there that do not know anything about saltwater tanks. It is actually a Pet Store that focuses more on dogs.

Anyway, the spring water comes from the mountains of Campos do Jordao.

I only did only a 10% water change using this water and treated with Seachem Prime.

When I make a return trip the the USA, I will buy myself a RODI unit.

I just wanted to see if the meantime I can use this spring water with the Prime??

As a side-note, I live 2 blocks from the ocean but wouldn't dare get the seawater from there. They empty their sewage into there and it is known for have very unusual super-bacteria strains (and god knows what else). Its sad seeing all the pollution floating in the water here.

 

[2_zoa]

Yes, I am located in Rio de Janeiro. You guys probably won't understand this...BUT, here there are many things that are simply not accessible nor r available...namely Distilled Water. You simply cannot go to a major supermarket or a Walmart. You cannot buy White Distilled Vinegar either.
RODI water can only be purchased at an aquarium store and there are actually very few. It just so happens there is one located on my same street, but now there are just idiots working there that do not know anything about saltwater tanks. It is actually a Pet Store that focuses more on dogs.

Anyway, the spring water comes from the mountains of Campos do Jordao.

I only did only a 10% water change using this water and treated with Seachem Prime.

When I make a return trip the the USA, I will buy myself a RODI unit.

I just wanted to see if the meantime I can use this spring water with the Prime??

As a side-note, I live 2 blocks from the ocean but wouldn't dare get the seawater from there. They empty their sewage into there and it is known for have very unusual super-bacteria strains (and god knows what else). Its sad seeing all the pollution floating in the water here.

Would they be willing to show you the TDS of their RO/DI water?
Would you be willing to have a discussion about the water situation with them?
Do you have access to a TDS meter that is hand held?

I ask these for a few different angles. You could protect yourself with a hand held meter by checking the water before you buy it. There is also the possibility that you could educate them on the importance of good clean water. Heck, maybe you could simply be the one that takes care of and monitors the water for them. Simply seeing their water being made and the TDS reading will tell if it's good water or not. Reguardless of who is working there.

If they are making RO/DI water. Then they need replacement cartridges and replacement membrains to keep it producing quality water. So, there is someway to get yourself the gear to make your own water without a trip to the US.

 

[mcgyvr]

Yes you can use spring water ..no need for prime either...

 

[billdogg]

I would be concerned with the mineral content of the water, but in any case, it is most likely a much better choice than whatever passes as tap water down there. (it's probably better than the tap water here too!) It's still not RO/DI, but in a pinch.....

 

[mcgyvr]

Typically the only additives are "minerals for taste" and they use baking soda and calcium chloride....both are fine

 

[WVfishguy]

I once tested a brand "Spring water" bottled here in West Virginia. The specs were pretty much the same as tap water. So it probably was....

 

[nereefpat]

Springs are just groundwater, so it just depends on what minerals the water sits in or passes through.

Some springs have water that just picks up things like Ca and carbonate, and some springs pick up things like silica, zinc, lithium, etc.

I would start by testing TDS on any source water.