RO/DI Water???

[rolangunslinger]

Hello everyone,
I am getting ready to make my first attempt at a SW Reef tank. I have read on here that a lot of people recommend using RO/DI water. Once the water has been through the reverse osmosis process does that make it de-ionized water? or is there another process for that?
Also what are the advantages/disadvantages of using RO water?
Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[sheracr123]

WOW! I have had SWF for several years and I thought that was an excellent article. I admit when I get lazy I have used tap water but NOT ANYMORE!!!
Just one question. Do you think the fill stations for RO DI water can be trusted? I have tested it and never found anything but....
Thanks

 

[cadbury]

Just to let you know, you asked about the disadvantages, well bye useing tap water there is an increase of a chance of hair algae growing rapid in and throughout your tank. I have a 180 and it has'nt been fun trying to get rid of it, I been useing RO water for the passed 3 months and its finally going away, but very slowly. I also just purchased a RO-DI unit, that should help a lot. If you have a large system with expensive fish and expensive corals, DO NOT TAKE SHORT CUTS TO SAVE MONEY! It will catch up to you....Good Luck!

 

[bheron]

welcome!
use RO/DI only - i learned the hard way with copper in my tap water. had to start over!

 

[dburr]

I love the name and read Steven King. Have you read all 4 books?
I read the first book and got hooked. Can't wait for the next one. He's got the first chapter on the web site. (I hope you know what i'm talking about)LOL
I been using the DI filters. Someday I will buy RO/DI and have it plumbed to run right to the top off in the sump.
Dan

 

[rolangunslinger]

Yeah I know what you are talking about, I am his biggest fan.
The reason I asked about the RO/DI water is that the company I work for pays another company to treat our water supply with RO/DI filters and I am able to get this treated water for free. (We pay a monthly fee for the service instead of a by the gallon fee).
So I guess I kinda have an advantage here.
Thanks for everyone's help on this post.
BTW, is guess there would be the same advantage to using this type of water in FW tanks as well?
Thanks for the help

 

[rolangunslinger]

bump...........
still looking to learn more about ro/di water.
Is it also better for FW tanks? Is DI water just as good?
What I mean is...Does De-Ionized have to be first RO water or will DI remove all the same things that RO does>?
I hope this post isn't becoming a PITA
All responses are greatly appreciated.