Need for a RO/DI???
- Thread starter jenni1979
- Start date
beaslbob
Well-Known Member
Originally posted by hookedonreefs
OK, I try to stay out of the bickering, but I would like to ask you a question beaslbob....
If RO/DI water is not the answer (or one of many contributing factors towards and answer) to having goodies such as lead, copper, phosphates and silicates -
then how are
quote:
"a larger tank, sump, refugium, macro algae/marine plants, better lighting, or even better livestock."
going to help lower the amount of these things in our water?
Again, not being mean or nasty, just asking in a "critical thinking" / friendly debate type of manner....
understand and nothing i say is meant to be a debate but just reporting of my observations. All of those things are also detrimental to humans. So if the water is good enough for humans then it is good enough to tanks. Plus the algaes filter ot those things. finally a larger tank dilutes the waste products, phosphates and nitrates.
broncofish
Active Member
I use plain RO and I am fine...but I've had my tap water tested. Also I only use RO because of an Anemone theory..no scientific fact just theory, that they live longer on tap/ro than on RO/DI...but like I said thats a theory and very little resarch has been done on that.
tlk
Member
Originally posted by Jenni1979
It seems like everything I ask on here is usually up for debate. I think some people do things different, but the real question is what is your sucess rate? Please include that with your answers from now on. Either RO/DI or no RO/DI.
Keep posting your questions Jenni1979. The only dumb ones are the ones you DON"T ask. As for the answers you will get, well, over time, you will quickly learn which posts to read and which ones to discount immediately.
reefnut
Active Member
Originally posted by beaslbob
understand and nothing i say is meant to be a debate but just reporting of my observations. All of those things are also detrimental to humans. So if the water is good enough for humans then it is good enough to tanks. Plus the algaes filter ot those things. finally a larger tank dilutes the waste products, phosphates and nitrates.
Sorry but humans can tolerate these "things" just fine in small amounts. If you understood what effects they have on the tank you would not be preaching this BS.
stumpdog
Member
I am no expert in any of this, but I have a quick question.
All of those things are also detrimental to humans. So if the water is good enough for humans then it is good enough to tanks
Wouldn't small traces of any of these things have a much greater on fish than humans. Does that matter? I mean if a 160lb man drinks some lead mixed water (not gallons) he may get a tummy ache. If a 2oz. fish has the same amount of lead mixed water wouldn't the outcomes be different? Just wondering. If this doesn't make sense ignore it. I've been working on a corporate finance test for the past few hours.
Thanks-
Jeremy
All of those things are also detrimental to humans. So if the water is good enough for humans then it is good enough to tanks
Wouldn't small traces of any of these things have a much greater on fish than humans. Does that matter? I mean if a 160lb man drinks some lead mixed water (not gallons) he may get a tummy ache. If a 2oz. fish has the same amount of lead mixed water wouldn't the outcomes be different? Just wondering. If this doesn't make sense ignore it. I've been working on a corporate finance test for the past few hours.
Thanks-
Jeremy
hookedonreefs
Member
Jenni, sorry about this, but I had to reply to beaslbob's last retort to my post-
How would a bigger tank dilute the stuff? If you were putting RO/DI water in with tap water then I could understand that statement. Unfourtunately this is not what will happen. The ratio of crap to clean water will always be the same. The only difference is that with a bigger tank you have more non-pure water.
As for it being good for humans and good for corals - I would invite you to come to the wonder beaches of NJ. Here we have the waste from NYC which has been dumped into our oceans for decades. Up until a few years ago there was very little natural oceanic life in these waters. You would never see starfish, and other smaller inverts around the beaches. I have survived many - a -mouthfull of this water and (except for a few excpetions
) I'm normal. Finally after years of cleanup efforts I'm starting to see starfish and new inverts to the area. This (IMO) denotes that humans have a slightly higher tolerance to crap in their water. (No pun intended - actually there was ) So that's why I disagree with that statement.
The algae thing I have no observed facts to use as an argument. The only thing I can say is that asthetically, I prefer to have my tank as algae free as possible. If that means "starving" them by not giving them everything we've been talking about, then I can handle that on my consciounce.
And I do mean this as somewhat of a debate. I think it's healty for us to debate in a civilized manner. I've done my best to keep my posts in this way the entire time. I hope you don't take this as a negative attack, but rather an opinionated view that I would like to share. I am looking forward to anything you might have to say against my thoughts.
On another note -
Reefnut, it appears you don't get along with beaslbob all so well. I've read many things you've posted on, and have taken your advice on many things. -Some with & some without your knowing.
I've seen alot of bashing/flaming on this board lately, and although I'm VERY VERY VERY far from being a mod, I would personally appreciate it if you could work on sounding less aggressive with this issue. In the end the decisive factor is what theory is supported the best, not how bad you can make a person look/sound or feel. For arguments sake maybe someone on this board would like a tank that reflects how you describe beaslbob's tank, and he is one of few people who can help achieve this.
I am certainly not tanking any sides, I just wanted to let both of you know my feelings. I hope neither of you take what I said as an attack, or as negative. They are just my personal observations and feelings.
Jenni, I still think you have a cool name, and my vote still stands - get an RO/DI.
How would a bigger tank dilute the stuff? If you were putting RO/DI water in with tap water then I could understand that statement. Unfourtunately this is not what will happen. The ratio of crap to clean water will always be the same. The only difference is that with a bigger tank you have more non-pure water.
As for it being good for humans and good for corals - I would invite you to come to the wonder beaches of NJ. Here we have the waste from NYC which has been dumped into our oceans for decades. Up until a few years ago there was very little natural oceanic life in these waters. You would never see starfish, and other smaller inverts around the beaches. I have survived many - a -mouthfull of this water and (except for a few excpetions
) I'm normal. Finally after years of cleanup efforts I'm starting to see starfish and new inverts to the area. This (IMO) denotes that humans have a slightly higher tolerance to crap in their water. (No pun intended - actually there was ) So that's why I disagree with that statement.The algae thing I have no observed facts to use as an argument. The only thing I can say is that asthetically, I prefer to have my tank as algae free as possible. If that means "starving" them by not giving them everything we've been talking about, then I can handle that on my consciounce.
And I do mean this as somewhat of a debate. I think it's healty for us to debate in a civilized manner. I've done my best to keep my posts in this way the entire time. I hope you don't take this as a negative attack, but rather an opinionated view that I would like to share. I am looking forward to anything you might have to say against my thoughts.
On another note -
Reefnut, it appears you don't get along with beaslbob all so well. I've read many things you've posted on, and have taken your advice on many things. -Some with & some without your knowing.
I've seen alot of bashing/flaming on this board lately, and although I'm VERY VERY VERY far from being a mod, I would personally appreciate it if you could work on sounding less aggressive with this issue. In the end the decisive factor is what theory is supported the best, not how bad you can make a person look/sound or feel. For arguments sake maybe someone on this board would like a tank that reflects how you describe beaslbob's tank, and he is one of few people who can help achieve this.
I am certainly not tanking any sides, I just wanted to let both of you know my feelings. I hope neither of you take what I said as an attack, or as negative. They are just my personal observations and feelings.
Jenni, I still think you have a cool name, and my vote still stands - get an RO/DI.
hookedonreefs
Member
& one more thing...
Kip YOUR TANK FRIGGIN' ROCKS!!!
I goin' home! Good night!
Kip YOUR TANK FRIGGIN' ROCKS!!!
I goin' home! Good night!
reefnut
Active Member
hookedonreefs, I understand what you are saying and I'm normally not a confronting type of person but we have been going around and around and around and around on this stuff for a while now.
This is my complaint. People new to the hobby usually are attracted by this easy - cheep method but do not realize what they are in for. I normally would never attack someone's tank... In fact it's totally against what this entire boards is all about. But the new people that are taking this advise unknowingly, needs to know what they are in for.
I wrote two similar posts last week and deleted them both before anyone read them. I will also delete the one above.
I do apologize if I offended anyone.
This is my complaint. People new to the hobby usually are attracted by this easy - cheep method but do not realize what they are in for. I normally would never attack someone's tank... In fact it's totally against what this entire boards is all about. But the new people that are taking this advise unknowingly, needs to know what they are in for.
I wrote two similar posts last week and deleted them both before anyone read them. I will also delete the one above.
I do apologize if I offended anyone.
beaslbob
Well-Known Member
Originally posted by hookedonreefs
Jenni, sorry about this, but I had to reply to beaslbob's last retort to my post-
How would a bigger tank dilute the stuff? If you were putting RO/DI water in with tap water then I could understand that statement. Unfourtunately this is not what will happen. The ratio of crap to clean water will always be the same. The only difference is that with a bigger tank you have more non-pure water.
.
All i meant was that a larger tank will will dilute the livestock wastes more than a smaller tank with the same amount of livestock. And i understand your point about always adding the "bad" stuff in. My point was that the tank is constantly filtering out that bad stuff. the polution along your beachss was caused by the overload from a huge bioload and trapped in a relatively small area with insufficient algae to react out the polution. Hopefully not the same thing as our tanks.
The algae does not have to be in the display area of our tanks. Just in the system someplace. Do you mean to tell me that your system has no macro hidden away in a sump or refug? If so and you never have any algae in the display area then my hats are off to you.
jenni1979
Member
Reefnuts, you do seem a little pushy sometimes. I am here asking peoples opinion so beaslebob has a right to give his, whether he is right or wrong. I think people have different opinions. Maybe it is just depends on the water supply as to whether the water will work for you or not. I am going to look into this further and see if I can get a report from my water company. I am sure no matter how good the tap water is, it is still probably not going to give the good results as a ro/di will. Right now, nothing is in my tank and I am just letting it do its cycle again since I lost everything last week so if I don't get it at the moment, I am not harming any inhabitants. And btw I took the clam back. Again, I think that is my Skilter not performing like a protein skimmer should. I will rule that out first for my nitrate problem. I will go ahead and purchase one eventually because I want what is best for my tank. I have read a book and many websites that highly recommend them so that is evidence to me that they are needed. Maybe I can find a good deal on a small one or something. But in the meantime, I need to upgrade my protein skimmer.
Also, would 10% water changes with the tap be enough to harm the tank?
Beaslbob do you have pictures of your tank? Just curious as to what it looks like Maybe that will answer some of our questions. And help me in my decision too.
I think it is perfectly okay to debate. That way, you can try to prove your point and us beginners can make the right decision as to why or why not to do it. Just don't bash anyone please.
I would just hope that nobody on here would intentionally give bad advise just to be mean. I came here to learn and get advise from people who have more experience than me. And if someone is giving bad advise intentionally, I hope they get taken off this board.
Also, would 10% water changes with the tap be enough to harm the tank?
Beaslbob do you have pictures of your tank? Just curious as to what it looks like
Maybe that will answer some of our questions. And help me in my decision too.I think it is perfectly okay to debate. That way, you can try to prove your point and us beginners can make the right decision as to why or why not to do it. Just don't bash anyone please.
I would just hope that nobody on here would intentionally give bad advise just to be mean. I came here to learn and get advise from people who have more experience than me. And if someone is giving bad advise intentionally, I hope they get taken off this board.
birdy
Active Member
I think I will put my two cents in here,
Yes debating on topics is fine as long as it stays civil, I think the problem comes from someone suggesting things that could have a negative consequence. No one is denying that macro algae is benefical to a tank, but when you suggest that everyone should put tons of it in thier tanks you fail to tell them the stuff is evasive and they will spend many nights pulling it out and wishing they had put it in a refugium and not actually in thier show tank. That is all I have to say right now.
I would like to encourage everyone especially the new people to question everything that someone tells you about what to do with your tank the worst that could happen is you research more and learn more about what is best for your tank, if you blindly follow what one person might say you could be in for trouble.
thank you all and have a good night.
Carla
Yes debating on topics is fine as long as it stays civil, I think the problem comes from someone suggesting things that could have a negative consequence. No one is denying that macro algae is benefical to a tank, but when you suggest that everyone should put tons of it in thier tanks you fail to tell them the stuff is evasive and they will spend many nights pulling it out and wishing they had put it in a refugium and not actually in thier show tank. That is all I have to say right now.
I would like to encourage everyone especially the new people to question everything that someone tells you about what to do with your tank the worst that could happen is you research more and learn more about what is best for your tank, if you blindly follow what one person might say you could be in for trouble.
thank you all and have a good night.
Carla
richard rendos
Active Member
Some areas have "better" tap water than others. Some of us are not willing to risk what will be in our water. The public water facilities are only responsible for keeping the water safe for human consumption. Copper, phosphates, nitrates, etc. are in most people's water supply in some level or other. I have checked my tap water and found varying degrees of these things which scares me. The pH may be 6.5 this week and next week be 7.4. This is too much of a fluctuation for me. I love my fish, my corals, my inverts and want to provide the "BEST" possible environment for them while they are in my care. I think everyone should do the same. If you want to risk what your water plant provides you with...go ahead. I just won't take the chance.
michaeltx
Moderator
I agree with richard and the others that there are way to many variables that come into play with tap vs RO and RO/DI. I personally dont wat to take the chance of any of it getting into my tank. I have worked hard and spent alot of money on my tank for a tap water change that could kiil things in it.
on another note rent a unit if you are unsure use it for a month and the look at the filters and see what you are drinking and what you are adding to your tank and you will see what nasty stuff is actually there. LOL
Mike
on another note rent a unit if you are unsure use it for a month and the look at the filters and see what you are drinking and what you are adding to your tank and you will see what nasty stuff is actually there. LOL
Mike
jenni1979
Member
Then I will probably go ahead and find one that I can use for drinking and for my aquarium. I buy bottled water to drink but I have recently heard bad things on the news about drinking that too. I have a PUR water filter on my faucet but I don't know if I should trust that either.