Tap water for macros?

[skabooya]

I have searched and searched and this topic is brought up but never answered. So I hope you can help me.
Since tap water can create algae in a marine tank would it be good to use in a macro tank?

 

[3D-Reef]

It would be good for macros as far as extra nutrients,but I would be leery of any heavy metals;copper,lead

 

[skabooya]

heavy metals are bad if i plan on adding any inverts/clean up crew right? Because i was reading somewhere that copper and the like wont hurt macros at all. Dont know how true that is but thats what i read. What do you guys/gals think?

 

[CapitalO]

Chlorine and chloramine would give you problems; the copper will kill off normal flora, ie the bacteria that processes waste. Its possible the tap water wouldnt directly affect macros, but it would be hard to keep stable/acceptable parameters for the algae to do well. Caulerpa and the like might do well.. but still not the best option in my opinion. Of course others have kept nice tanks with tap water, so its possible i guess

 

[graveyardworm]

There are members here that have used and are still using tap in their macro displays. I wouldnt do it unless you are familiar with whats in your water. The stuff in there might just favor nuisance type alga over more desireable macros and seagrasses, and like allready pointed out heavy metals could contaminate your sand bed and other substrate, kill infauna/meiofauna. and make future keeping of other inverts and fish impossible.

 

[skabooya]

I understand. Alrightie then, thanks people.