the ocean is so big an vast that it doesn't matter that there's some minerals in it. Also, the ocean doesn't care if it gets algae outbreaks. The ocean is so much different than a reef tank for many reasons, so comparing the ocean to a fish tank isn't comparing apples to apples. It's like comparing a regular tree to a bonsai tree. Bonsai trees need a lot more attention and care than a regular tree does, because it's being kept in a tiny pot. By keeping a tree that is designed to be in a bigger environment in a much smaller one, it's going to require more care, just as a fish tank requires more care.
There is also a much larger concentration of these minerals in tap water than in the ocean. I'm sure if you measured the ocean water against tap water, these minerals will be almost undetected in the ocean. If you were to then add millions of pounds of minerals to the ocean to equal the concentration of those same minerals in tap water, there would be a problem in the ocean...
By using the reasoning that "the ocean doesn't have RO water" to justify the use of tap water, then you should also say "we don't need to do water changes because no one does water changes in the ocean". You know that's not true, because if you don't do water changes in your tank, your fish will die.
The minerals in tap water aren't toxic or deadly or anything (except chlorine and chloramine...), but they do cause algae blooms. If you like green water or hair/bubble algae all over your tank, be my guest and use tap water. We use RO water because it eliminates that source of metals from your tank.
and what do you mean by "aged tap water"? does this mean he just lets the tap water sit for a few days? if so, what's that supposed to do to the tap water? I hope he doesn't think that's removing any metals or minerals from the water, because it's not...
Not flaming or anything, just debating... i love to debate!
