Where to get water

[crimsontopper]

So I am starting up a new tank, 10 gallon, and I have a question about water. My water from the tap is ridiculously dirty. Like my pur filter I have for drinking water that is supposed to last 3 months, lasts maybe 3 weeks. I have a feeling that any RODI system I could get would be bogged down fast. I would have to change filters so often it would not be worth it. I am considering getting some water from walmart, they have those big refillable jugs you can get. They're like those culligan man water cooler deals (I'm pretty sure I just dated myself). I would get some from my LFS, but the nearest one is about an hour away, which makes it rather inconvenient. I didn't think this would be a problem until I saw someone comment that some grocery store water could be distilled with copper and that's an issue since I want to keep corals. Does anyone know if this is an acceptable solution or do I need to figure something else out?

 

[ssky]

I have used the walmart water and it was okay. I bought the RODI unit because it was a alot of hassle to go to the store and fill up water. Since you have a 10 gallon tank so just fill up 2 5 gallon buckets and you are set for several weeks.

 

[mcgyvr]

Most grocery stores sell gallon containers of "distilled" water.. You can absolutely use that.. Walmart water "should" be just fine too.. Many have reported its good..

And don't assume that just because your PUR unit clogs that fast that a "real" filtration system will suffer the same.. There is a big difference in a PUR and a proper 2.5x10 or other cartridge..

 

[crimsontopper]

Thanks for the replies. We have a serious issue with our water. The state board has been called in, our water association is under review. Its a huge issue. When we fill our tubs we can't see the bottom. It's just nasty. The picture I attached is a filter(on the right) from a $10,000 whole house filter after one month of use. Their water is still brown even while using that. I can't wait to get out of Mississippi, its a poop show down here.

 

[mcgyvr]

So yeah... Don't drink the water
And call Erin Brockovich and start collecting the checks..

Any grocery store "spring water/distilled water/purified water" will all be just fine to use..

 

[hkgar]

Spend a couple bucks and get a TDS meter and see just how "dirty" your water actually is. Where dos the tap water come from: city system or well?

 

[crimsontopper]

We try not to drink or cook with the water unless we have to.

It's well water that has high iron concentration and an idiot running it that has no idea how to treat water.

 

[hkgar]

That was my guess - high iron is clogging your PUR filters.

If you do decide on a RO/DI system well water most always has high CO2 content which runs through DI resin unless you de-gas the water first. Have you considered a softener system for the household water?

 

[crimsontopper]

I have not. Since we will be moving soon, investments are going towards things like roofs and ac units. Also, I'm a poor grad student, hence the 10 gallon setup.

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[hkgar]

Reef within your budget and enjoy.

 

[crimsontopper]

Thanks!

 

[Sk8r]

I feel your pain. Gran's tapwater used to run red and it tasted awful. The good news is, yes, RO from stores is fine. You will be safer if you do get a cheap TDS meter and test the storebought just to be sure (again small town) that they're maintaining their filters as they should. The meters are cheap, and should read 0.

 

[mcgyvr]

Note: just because your TDS meter doesn't read zero doesn't mean the water is bad..
Quite a lot of bottled water has minerals added back in for "taste" and those will register as TDS..
If its store bought bottled water of any sort (gallons/5g jugs,etc...) its likely totally fine to use..

 

[Daddyrawg]

You guys are so Smart <3

 

[nereefpat]

I would still look into filtering your own water.

Sediment filters are really cheap, and can be replaced often. RO takes out a percentage of everything. You could even run dual RO.

It would also be worth talking to someone at tech support at air water ice or Russ from buckeye. He could definitely help.

 

[Bpb]

Yeah we really need to see what your TDS is before making any kind of recommendation. RO membranes last a long long time. Even with very dirty water.


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[crimsontopper]

Good to know. I got some bad info on the cost of Walmart water, it's only $.37 per gallon. So, it's only $50 a year. No rodi unit for me unless Santa wants to bring it.

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[ryeguyy84]

I used to get rodi water from whole foods since I needed more than a few gallons. just use the distilled or walmart, but if you have a whole foods nearby they're pretty good for water.