Tap water?

[spiceycat]

I'm taking in a ton of reading and learning a lot of new stuff pertaining saltwater systems. And of course, I make the rounds to as many stores who sell saltwater fish as I can.

I'm wondering what other peoples thoughts on how exotic fins (east hartford) say they use regular tap water vs. the other ro/di water?

What am I missing here? Thanks in advance!

 

[pop0tart]

tagging along

My lfs uses tap water in all their tanks as well. I suppose the business owners have done the math and found that it is easier to "clean up" tap water than it is to start out with the good stuff. I can imagine the difficulties of making ro/di water in large quantities and its effect on a store's bottom line. I know they have access to large quantities of conditioning products at wholesale prices.

Anyway, that's just speculation.

 

[usmc121581]

When I worked at a LFS and did water changes on the system I would just hook our hoses up to the back faucet and start running the water. Our nitrates in the tap only read 20 ppm. I have heard others say there tap water nitrates where high as 100ppm. I have been stationed alon the east coast and never seen a store use anything else except tap water.

 

[jwolcott]

ro/di water is cheap dont take the chance

 

[zoafarm]

I have a local LFS that does the same thing. I asked about it. I was told it was simple economics. Most LFSs are just holding tanking, and their goal is not long term growth. Their goal is fast turnover. So this LFS has nearly all bare bottom tanks, high number of water changes, low salinity, and they use Instant Ocean salt. This store has twice a daily routine tank cleanings, and the tanks are exceptionally clean with very healthy fish and coral. However, they do recognize they are unable to stock sps corals, and don't even try.

However, this store would be the first to tell you not to use this practice in your home aquarium, and would recommend most of the same things found of the experts on this forum. Our goals are much different.

Happy Reefing

 

[All6Fish]

Ok Spicey I can give you some local knowledge, West Hartford Puppy Center. ask for Ron ( been in this industry 25+ years) tell him Keith from golf sent you he won't give you bad advice. Next, get an RO/DI for water changes. WAY TO MANY CHEMS in tap water. Save yourself time and money.

 

[spiceycat]

Thanks Keith. Does Ron sell ro/di water? And does he drill tanks? Still tryin to get set-up and a cycling we will go!

 

[All6Fish]

He does sell RO/DI water , I would consider purchasing your own if it's in the budget. I bought mine and installed it in my laundry room, so when imndoing laundry I'm also making my water change. Not sure on drilling tanks but if anyone in ct knows its him. I dont have to much faith in LFS due to experiance but he has all my confidence .

 

[spiceycat]

It would be in my budget to do a ro/di but I rent a large apartment with my father and he is opposed to making structural changes to the place...*sigh*

I may take a ride to the puppy cntr tomorrow! Thanks

Michelle

 

[All6Fish]

No structural changes needed, heck You can just screw on your tap when you need it. Extreamly simple....promise

 

[sleepydoc]

There are also connectors you can use to hook up under a sink that are easy to remove later on when you move, if you want something slightly more 'permanent,' but not really so.

 

[spiceycat]

@Sleepydoc does it require disconnecting pipes?

 

[spiceycat]

@Keith are you going to the Oct. 28 Mohegan?

 

[EllieSuz]

spiceycat, how big is your tank? There are portable RO/DI units available that can be stored out of sight when you're not using them. Here's the one I use for my 60 gallon tank:

http://www.airwaterice.com/c=U0YOLq...ct/1MMDI/Mighty-Mite-50GPD-with-DI-Added.html

It's $110 plus shipping.

 

[telijah]

spiceycat, how big is your tank? There are portable RO/DI units available that can be stored out of sight when you're not using them. Here's the one I use for my 60 gallon tank:

http://www.airwaterice.com/c=U0YOLq...ct/1MMDI/Mighty-Mite-50GPD-with-DI-Added.html

It's $110 plus shipping.

Are there even smaller "portable" setups? I am going through about 5 gallons a week from evap that I buy at my LFS, but if there was an even smaller portable option, I may do it. Fresh water from the LFS is so cheap that I cant even see spending $110 on that system as a wise choice. I only have a 40 gallon breeder and 20 gallon sump (filled to about 9 gallons).

 

[BigCountry74]

an RO/DI system was possible the best investment I have made. My tap is +-50ppm so that was not going to work in a reef build.

you can run tap in a fish only system. but who does salt builds for that?

 

[TeHGuy]

I worked for an LFS when I was a teenager, tap water all the way.

That being said, I use RODI now. It just makes my life easier.

 

[lg7228]

I have my fish tank directly in front of a wall where the master bathroom is on the other side. Is there a way to set it up the ro/di system using the water that goes into the toilet? Can you share link if there are any of people who have done so?

 

[spiceycat]

Nothing like hijacking a thread!

 

[spiceycat]

@Eileen- I have a small 30 gallon just aching to get started. Thanks for the info. I'm def. checking it out. Do you ever post pics of your set-up?


Michelel