Using well water to start tank

[cincyjim]

If my well water test 0 nitrates and the TDS is about 7, do you think it would be ok to use the well water to start a new tank with? The water was tested by a professional company a few years ago and the results were good and they didn't offer to sell us a water filtration system or anything. This would be for a 56g column tank that will have about 60 pounds of live rock and 40 pounds of live sand. The rock and sand would be coming from TBS. The tank is going to be a FOWLR and will have 2 Dwarf Fuzzy Lionfish in it once it has cycled.
Thanks,
Jim

 

[Shawn O]

Is this just for the initial fill-up or for all water changes and top-offs as well? I imagine that if the water isn't too high or low in Alk, has low phos and contains no toxins to SW animals it would be fine. The trick is finding out exactly what's in the water.

What elements did this company test for? Will they send you a printout of all tests?

 

[gone fishin]

Assuming your well does not change the key question is, What is the 7 TDS?

I live in farm country so I know my well water changes with the seasons. Personally I would get a RO/DI unit and know for sure what is going into my tank. Good luck on whatever choice you make.

 

[BuzzPion]

Probably fine for a FOWLR tank. I would not trust a years old test though. If you do use well water, you need to test it yourself frequently. Things change over time and a years old test is almost useless.

 

[cincyjim]

It would be for initial fill up only. I do have a RO/DI which I could use but I was just wondering if I could use the well water. I have no idea what is in the TDS. I do know we were told there was calcium in the water but nothing alarming. The well is 800 feet deep so it's hard telling what the TDS could be.

I didn't think about Phos, so I will definitely check for that, thanks for mentioning it! The company didn't give a print out, just a letter saying the water was good and that they couldn't recommend a filtration system.
Thanks,
Jim

 

[thegrun]

Because you have no idea what is in the 7 TDS why not use your RO/DI unit? It isn't going to use much resin with an initial 7 TDS so why gamble? The 7 could be copper or other heavy metals, why start off on the wrong foot?

 

[cincyjim]

You're right, no sense in taking any chances and the smart thing to do is use the RO/DI. Thanks for the responses!!!! This is a great site and forum!!!!
Jim