***** Real Ocean Water vs Distilled Water?

geridoc

Well-Known Member
Originally Posted by PhxJosh
http:///forum/post/2891132
Haha, ooops! Yes, I meant salt. So when I do water changes every week, can I use distilled water? I will buy a RODI unit before summer, but for now, what do I use for the water changes?
No. Use distilled or RODI to replace evaporation only. Use fresh saltwater for changes.
 
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usirchchris

Guest
Originally Posted by GeriDoc
http:///forum/post/2891276
No. Use distilled or RODI to replace evaporation only. Use fresh saltwater for changes.
can you use the 1 gallon distilled water like you see in the grocery?
 

geridoc

Well-Known Member
Originally Posted by PhxJosh
http:///forum/post/2891140
What about the spring water, or the purified water? How much does the LFS usually charge for RO water?
I was going to use tap, but then I checked my water supply, and wow is the quality bad.
Spring water is nice to drink, as is "purified water". However, neither is suitable for top-off purposes. Both have a taste, which indicates that there are dissolved substances in them. RODI is terrible to drink because it has no taste at all since the "total dissolved substances" is typically zero.
 

phxjosh

Member
Originally Posted by usirchchris
http:///forum/post/2891159
Just curious...how did you "check" your water? Not sure about pricing, I am a pro-tap fan. Probably the only one on this site, but if people are paying .50 to .99 per gallon of RO water, I am about to become a believer
.
I found another forum discussing the water quality in Arizona, someone posted ratings from the city water and said it was too dirty for fish tanks.
I was at the grocery store today, and they had a RO/DI machine outside! It's a little more expensive than the other machines next to it, but I might use this if I can find good containers to transport the water.
 

nina&noah

Member
I buy natural sea water from my LFS for .50 a gallon. I buy my RO water for top offs at the grocery store for .30 a gallon.
 

subielover

Active Member
Originally Posted by PhxJosh
http:///forum/post/2891366
I was at the grocery store today, and they had a RO/DI machine outside! It's a little more expensive than the other machines next to it, but I might use this if I can find good containers to transport the water.
Be sure to test any new water source before using
 

phxjosh

Member
Quick question, do I mix the water with the salt in the tank for the first time, or mix it in a tub before, then pour it in?
 

donald

Member
never mix salt in your tank. Always make it in a clean container. I use a plastic blue 35 gallon drum. I bought it new never used from a guy here locally who sells them. I still washed it three times with tap and rinsed it twice with rodi water. You can never be to carefull. Dont use your tub to mix saltwater, you can pick up the chemicals that you use to clean it.
 
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usirchchris

Guest
Originally Posted by PhxJosh
http:///forum/post/2891366
I found another forum discussing the water quality in Arizona, someone posted ratings from the city water and said it was too dirty for fish tanks.
I see. Perhaps devils advocate another night. Either way good luck, and happy water hunting
 
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usirchchris

Guest
This site has a couple. I would go with the less expensive. Does not have to be fancy by any means. Any refractometer will be better than a hydrometer. I don't even know what the name of my refractometer is to be honest...it's blue
.
 

1990jpyj

Member
just a thought on the whole water location. i was able to find someone realy close to me(abotu 5 min down the road) that had an RO unit. he said i give him $10.00 he will give me all the water i can fill up. little did he know i was coming with 11 5g buckets. and i found "used" salt for $20. someone getting out fo the hobby selling a almost full bucket of salt. so it cost me $30 bucks to fill up my 55 the first time. but i put an ad on CL to find it. a few weeks later i found out my LFS sold pre mixed SW for $1.00 per gallon. they do all the purifying that was needed. so if you look around i bet you could find someone thats got a cheaper solution.
good luck
 

scoobydue4

Member
Originally Posted by PhxJosh
http:///forum/post/2891396
Quick question, do I mix the water with the salt in the tank for the first time, or mix it in a tub before, then pour it in?
its fine to mix the salt in the aquarium for the first ever fill up. But thats the only time!
 

phxjosh

Member
Alright, so if I need to top off during the week inbetween water changes, I use RODI water, but when I do a water change, I use a premixed batch, right?
I am going to post an ad on craigslist and see if anyone around me has a RODI unit.
 
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