Tap Water: what must go?

[Somrschool]

I am on a really limited start-up budget. I had thought to buy purified water, but $1.00/gal for distilled is causing my gag reflex to act up. So, I started looking at water purifiers... and am confused, hopelessly.

1. I know that many reefers use ionizers. Do I NEED one?

2. I'm afraid of exactly WHAT in tap water... specifically?

3. Got any short term work arounds so I can build up cash for an under-sink ionizer/purifier?

4. While we're at it, what is your pick for the best ionizer/purifier out there--not all the bells and whistles, but a good, basic workhorse for this problem?

Please answer soon... tank is waiting! TIA!

 

[AZDesertRat]

1. Yes. Tap water is inconsistent. Sources and blends of water change throughout the seasons. A storm passes through, treatment techniques and chemical additions change at the local treatment plant. This can really throw your tank off.

2. Phosphates, nitrates, silicates, arsenic, copper, volatile organic chemicals, synthetic organic chemicals., chlorine or chloramines, ammonia etc. The list goes on and on. Utilities are not required to test every contaminant every year so it may go undetected for up to three years in some cases.

3. Purchase RO, RO/DI or distilled water until you can afford an RO/DI of your own. Not sure where you are at but around here RO water is 25 cents a gallon at hte local Water & Ice stores. It usually tests out pretty good for RO only without DI and is pretty consistent. Bottles of RO drinking water off the shelf at the grocery may be remineralized to make it taste good but distilled is usually pretty good.

4. A good reef quality RO/DI is going to run you $150-$160. Don't even consider the e-bay type units, they are cheap for a reason and usually its marginal water quality and low quality components.