MrManz1691
New member
i get my water from one of the vending machines. Out here in Cali its a bout 1.75$ per 5 gal. I plan on getting a RO unit very soon. But i was also told i would need a water softiner.
Water Changes?? All you experts?
- Thread starter bina770
- Start date
Python73
New member
All fine advice so far for different situations. The bottom line here is: your mileage may vary. Do a bit of research and find out what each of the pieces of equipment do for your water. Having your water tested isn't a bad idea, you can also contact your municipality and get a water report. Some places have good tap water, many don't.
For me, I use straight tap water, have never owned or come near an RODI unit, and I've had no problem keeping and growing just about any coral and fish around. This is over 7 years or so in the township I live in. If you are lucky, you could have fine water from the tap also.
Asking reefers that live near you is a good plan also. If your neighbor has a reef tank, I bet you he has experience with your tap water.
Learn what you can, use what you learn. Good luck.
S !
For me, I use straight tap water, have never owned or come near an RODI unit, and I've had no problem keeping and growing just about any coral and fish around. This is over 7 years or so in the township I live in. If you are lucky, you could have fine water from the tap also.
Asking reefers that live near you is a good plan also. If your neighbor has a reef tank, I bet you he has experience with your tap water.
Learn what you can, use what you learn. Good luck.
S !
wickedfood
New member
Where can you buy a TDS meter for $15??
raddogz
Premium Member
I couldn't agree more. I live in SF and have been using tap for the past few months without any ill effects so far. Prior to using tap I was using a 100gpd ro/di and still use it for top off water.
My tap is anywhere from 35-45ppm and typically around 35ppm. One city over and it's 150ppm.
HBtank
Premium Member
Just an FYI for anyone reading that is not comfortable with the water and RO/DI waste... And does not have the option of tap like me.
Use it to fill your washer and wash your clothes, water your lawn etc..
There are ways to not "waste" that water by using in place of water you would normally use.
hyperfocal
Active member
If you are using low-TDS tap water, be sure to keep an eye on it -- just because it is good today doesn't mean it'll be the same tomorrow.
davidryder
Claris or Elliot?
uscharalph
New member
I used to change 20-25 gallons every 3-4 weeks, now I change 10 gallons almost every week. Less stress on the tank and I believe a better result.
I had used tap water since 1998 until I setup my 150g using RO. What I have noticed so far.
of course using RO is better than tap but extra cost: no algea break out.
Tap water: it's not the end of the world like someone said it'd a recipe for disasters. I setup my 100g tank with tap water and I had to fight algea for a few months and won the war with the help of 100 snails and 200 blue and red legs hermits.
After that everything was in control, no algea break out even I topped off and water changed with tap.
Choosing between Tap and RO? I'd go for RO. It costs a little more but you have the peace in mind that you don't have unknown stuff in your water. And when something goes wrong in your tank, you don't blame yourself for using tap
of course using RO is better than tap but extra cost: no algea break out.
Tap water: it's not the end of the world like someone said it'd a recipe for disasters. I setup my 100g tank with tap water and I had to fight algea for a few months and won the war with the help of 100 snails and 200 blue and red legs hermits.
After that everything was in control, no algea break out even I topped off and water changed with tap.
Choosing between Tap and RO? I'd go for RO. It costs a little more but you have the peace in mind that you don't have unknown stuff in your water. And when something goes wrong in your tank, you don't blame yourself for using tap
HBtank
Premium Member
Just want to be clear...
You state tap water "is not the end of the world" or a "recipe for disaster", but remember, it is a big world and for many people it IS a disaster.
What applies to you may not apply to someone in Arizona with close to 1000 ppm TDS.
RO/DI or not, everyone should test their water regularly for TDS and verify any additives with their municipality. You can also get a report to check on other various levels and see if anything is out of the norm. And remember it can change. For instance, my city does not normally use chloramine, just chlorine, but after calling I found out they mix water from another district 1/4 of the year that uses chloramine...
Last edited:
davidryder
Claris or Elliot?
Using RO water doesn't even come close to guaranteeing no algae outbreak. There are far more sources of nitrates, phosphates, silicates, etc than tap water. Although source water is important it's not typically a major contributing factor to algae problems.
A poll I posted a while back relevant to this thread:
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=1103562
Take a look and vote
HBtank
Premium Member
Personal experiences are kinda useless to anyone that is not using your exact water supply.
Someone in a different location may read that datong used "tap water" and was ok, and not realize the word "tap water" is anything but universal. Many people talk about it in a way that makes it seem that way... and it is misleading.
That was my only point, and to test and check your "tap water" before proceeding, something I did not see you mention.
Someone in a different location may read that datong used "tap water" and was ok, and not realize the word "tap water" is anything but universal. Many people talk about it in a way that makes it seem that way... and it is misleading.
That was my only point, and to test and check your "tap water" before proceeding, something I did not see you mention.
