distelled water

[genzod66]

if someone had no choice ,what would be better distelled water,or tap water,for top offs (i know to use r.o)

 

[mie]

Distilled water is dead of ALL nutrients, use spring bottled water or ro water

 

[rcoultas]

if you are going to use tap water you'll need to test it first to see what problems it may create. phosphates and ph problems are quite common - if you have bad tap water then obviously your choice would have to be distilled or filtration (RO)

 

[genzod66]

mie,are you saying tap is better,that is the ?

 

[rcoultas]

no - but if you have good tap water it is cheaper and more convenient - the nutrients will be in the salt that you mix into the water - RO is the best choice - "good" tap water would be 2nd - distilled would be my 3rd

 

[genzod66]

would just using distelled for a week for top offs kill all your fish?

 

[jonthefishguy]

if you are going to use distilled, aerate it for an hour before you use it. Distilled water is very volatile and will start grabbing anything in the air so make sure you dont have any sprays in the air. and make sure you buff the ph up to match the tank.

 

[geoj]

What is the big with distilled I use it?

 

[geoj]

I don't, but I only do 10% so it has little effect.

 

[rcoultas]

Originally Posted by genzod66
would just using distelled for a week for top offs kill all your fish?

No it should not - just mix it and let it cure for a while - but do check the Ph as stated above - PH shock can kill - it is always a good idea to test water before adding to your tank - it would suck to have $10 worth of water kill $100 worth of fish

 

[geoj]

So you think it will start grabbing anything air pollutants I have not noticed any effect.

 

[geoj]

PH shock can kill good point that is why I use a buffer that take 24-48 to take full effect.

 

[geoj]

I would not say that all people should use distilled water but like I have said I have not seen any of what is being warned of maybe I am so good it does not appear.

 

[geoj]

Well thanks for the debate.

 

[florida joe]

If you have to use tap water use the water from your refrigerator if it has an internal filter most do

 

[dragonzim]

Originally Posted by mie
Distilled water is dead of ALL nutrients, use spring bottled water or ro water
Bottle spring water can still have all sorts of metals and minerals in it. Distilled water is MUCH better to use than spring water.

 

[dogstar]

Distilled water is fine for toping off and no need to buffer, just add it in slowly...its the best choice of the three listed and I would never choose the other two...never know whats in tap or spring water...do you.

 

[ameno]

Originally Posted by Dogstar
Distilled water is fine for toping off and no need to buffer, just add it in slowly...its the best choice of the three listed and I would never choose the other two...never know whats in tap or spring water...do you.
Agreed

I have used distilled water for top-off for over a year and worked great, cleared up my algea problem, But the water was for a distillation system I had installed at are plant, so I know it was 100% distilled water.