RO water
- Thread starter reefiness
- Start date
7
75bownut
Guest
home made RO/DI !
frankthetank
Active Member
Tell me, what is RO/DI?
I buy drinking water from the store for top offs. I use my local fish store's saltwater for water changes. They sell it for $.50 per gallon so it's no big deal to me.
Should I use something different for top offs besides drinking water?
I buy drinking water from the store for top offs. I use my local fish store's saltwater for water changes. They sell it for $.50 per gallon so it's no big deal to me.
Should I use something different for top offs besides drinking water?
shogun323
Active Member
Originally Posted by FranktheTank
Tell me, what is RO/DI?
I buy drinking water from the store for top offs. I use my local fish store's saltwater for water changes. They sell it for $.50 per gallon so it's no big deal to me.
Should I use something different for top offs besides drinking water?
RO/DI is reverse osmosis deionized. The deionization is an extra step. I am pretty sure that most drinking water from the stores is RO water as well. I think you are good to go!!
Tell me, what is RO/DI?
I buy drinking water from the store for top offs. I use my local fish store's saltwater for water changes. They sell it for $.50 per gallon so it's no big deal to me.
Should I use something different for top offs besides drinking water?
RO/DI is reverse osmosis deionized. The deionization is an extra step. I am pretty sure that most drinking water from the stores is RO water as well. I think you are good to go!!
frankthetank
Active Member
Thank you! I should just buy some freshwater from the pet store, they sell it for $.50 per gallon too, which at the store I tihnk I pay $.99 per gallon.
But I worry that if I bought freshwater from the pet store it might go bad just sitting around??? I usually top off about 2 or 3 gallons per week.
But I worry that if I bought freshwater from the pet store it might go bad just sitting around??? I usually top off about 2 or 3 gallons per week.
1journeyman
Active Member
Originally Posted by Rykna
TAP Water all the way!!!!!! RO water is just another way for fish stores to drain your wallets.
...
Rykna
I would seriously argue that point...
My tap water tests at 600ppm TDS. RO/DI filter 0.0.
We always repeat the mantra "Don't add what you can't test for". So, if you are adding tap water, what exactly are you testing for?
Tap water contains chemicals as well as possible trace metals (copper pipes...). Using tap water, over time, could eventually lead to a toxic build up that you never saw coming because you didn't know what to test for.
My RO/DI machine cost less than a set of bulbs for my tank. No reason to skimp on water quality. Plenty of nightmare stories with tap water, but no one complains "my water is too clean using RO/DI".
TAP Water all the way!!!!!! RO water is just another way for fish stores to drain your wallets.
...Rykna
I would seriously argue that point...
My tap water tests at 600ppm TDS. RO/DI filter 0.0.
We always repeat the mantra "Don't add what you can't test for". So, if you are adding tap water, what exactly are you testing for?
Tap water contains chemicals as well as possible trace metals (copper pipes...). Using tap water, over time, could eventually lead to a toxic build up that you never saw coming because you didn't know what to test for.
My RO/DI machine cost less than a set of bulbs for my tank. No reason to skimp on water quality. Plenty of nightmare stories with tap water, but no one complains "my water is too clean using RO/DI".
rykna
Active Member
Originally Posted by 1journeyman
I would seriously argue that point...
My tap water tests at 600ppm TDS. RO/DI filter 0.0.
We always repeat the mantra "Don't add what you can't test for". So, if you are adding tap water, what exactly are you testing for?
Tap water contains chemicals as well as possible trace metals (copper pipes...). Using tap water, over time, could eventually lead to a toxic build up that you never saw coming because you didn't know what to test for.
My RO/DI machine cost less than a set of bulbs for my tank. No reason to skimp on water quality. Plenty of nightmare stories with tap water, but no one complains "my water is too clean using RO/DI".
I definitely agree, with the toxins building over time. That is why I would not recommend the use of tap for a newbie. As I mentioned before, experience is everything...I check my tank daily...not always with fancy tests, but how the animals are...I do test...knowing is half the battle..giggle....through my tactics- waters changes, buffers, etc.; I have formed my own maintenance schedule. But this is through knowledge of fish behavior, health, etc....that I have been developing since I was 7, I am now 31. Also you can have you tap water tested by the county for free. Here in Cottage Grove it's pretty hard, which is nice for ph. The rest of the toxic stuff is manageable. I am aware that is causes more algae problems...but again that is part of an eco system. Tap water gets into ours streams, rivers, and oceans.
THIS is the main reason I do not use RO water:
Using RO water removes every last tiny bit of minerals, chemicals. That are both beneficial and harmful. This is something that all aquatic animals deal with on a daily basis. I believe that by removing everything it is the equivalent to putting our fish, inverts and coral etc. into a plastic bubble. This sterile environment is nothing even close to their original environment. Yes, it is disease free; however, over time you tank occupants develop weak immune systems because their bodies no longer have to fight off any type of bacteria or disease. So it is no wonder that when we introduce anything new to the tank that disease breaks out, and sometimes results in with the collapse of the entire tank.
People are in constant contact with each other every day, our bodies build up resistance to the flu and other viruses and bacteria that we come in contact with daily, therefore we do not get sick. The same thing would result if we were all put into “bubbles”. Our immune systems would weaken, and months latter if we were all released back into our regular environments. We would all come down with tons of ailments, some even fatal due to our weak immune system.
So, I would rather live with a little excess algae growth than put my tank into a bubble. Again I state, this method was developed through years of experience, and I would not recommend this to a newbie fresh or salt water.
:happyfish
I would seriously argue that point...
My tap water tests at 600ppm TDS. RO/DI filter 0.0.
We always repeat the mantra "Don't add what you can't test for". So, if you are adding tap water, what exactly are you testing for?
Tap water contains chemicals as well as possible trace metals (copper pipes...). Using tap water, over time, could eventually lead to a toxic build up that you never saw coming because you didn't know what to test for.
My RO/DI machine cost less than a set of bulbs for my tank. No reason to skimp on water quality. Plenty of nightmare stories with tap water, but no one complains "my water is too clean using RO/DI".
I definitely agree, with the toxins building over time. That is why I would not recommend the use of tap for a newbie. As I mentioned before, experience is everything...I check my tank daily...not always with fancy tests, but how the animals are...I do test...knowing is half the battle..giggle....through my tactics- waters changes, buffers, etc.; I have formed my own maintenance schedule. But this is through knowledge of fish behavior, health, etc....that I have been developing since I was 7, I am now 31. Also you can have you tap water tested by the county for free. Here in Cottage Grove it's pretty hard, which is nice for ph. The rest of the toxic stuff is manageable. I am aware that is causes more algae problems...but again that is part of an eco system. Tap water gets into ours streams, rivers, and oceans.
THIS is the main reason I do not use RO water:
Using RO water removes every last tiny bit of minerals, chemicals. That are both beneficial and harmful. This is something that all aquatic animals deal with on a daily basis. I believe that by removing everything it is the equivalent to putting our fish, inverts and coral etc. into a plastic bubble. This sterile environment is nothing even close to their original environment. Yes, it is disease free; however, over time you tank occupants develop weak immune systems because their bodies no longer have to fight off any type of bacteria or disease. So it is no wonder that when we introduce anything new to the tank that disease breaks out, and sometimes results in with the collapse of the entire tank.
People are in constant contact with each other every day, our bodies build up resistance to the flu and other viruses and bacteria that we come in contact with daily, therefore we do not get sick. The same thing would result if we were all put into “bubbles”. Our immune systems would weaken, and months latter if we were all released back into our regular environments. We would all come down with tons of ailments, some even fatal due to our weak immune system.
So, I would rather live with a little excess algae growth than put my tank into a bubble. Again I state, this method was developed through years of experience, and I would not recommend this to a newbie fresh or salt water.
:happyfish
1journeyman
Active Member
Originally Posted by Rykna
Using RO water removes every last tiny bit of minerals, chemicals. That are both beneficial and harmful. This is something that all aquatic animals deal with on a daily basis. I believe that by removing everything it is the equivalent to putting our fish, inverts and coral etc. into a plastic bubble. This sterile environment is nothing even close to their original environment. Yes, it is disease free; however, over time you tank occupants develop weak immune systems because their bodies no longer have to fight off any type of bacteria or disease. So it is no wonder that when we introduce anything new to the tank that disease breaks out, and sometimes results in with the collapse of the entire tank.... :happyfish
I believe the trace elements are added to the water through quality salt mixes and water changes.
Imho, the sterile environment theory is faulty on two levels: 1. Fish diseases are killed long before they enter your faucet by the chlorine in the water and 2. Fresh water is totally different than salt water anyway.
Your saltwater fish aren't having their immune systems boosted by freshwater parasites and diseases.
Using RO water removes every last tiny bit of minerals, chemicals. That are both beneficial and harmful. This is something that all aquatic animals deal with on a daily basis. I believe that by removing everything it is the equivalent to putting our fish, inverts and coral etc. into a plastic bubble. This sterile environment is nothing even close to their original environment. Yes, it is disease free; however, over time you tank occupants develop weak immune systems because their bodies no longer have to fight off any type of bacteria or disease. So it is no wonder that when we introduce anything new to the tank that disease breaks out, and sometimes results in with the collapse of the entire tank.... :happyfish
I believe the trace elements are added to the water through quality salt mixes and water changes.
Imho, the sterile environment theory is faulty on two levels: 1. Fish diseases are killed long before they enter your faucet by the chlorine in the water and 2. Fresh water is totally different than salt water anyway.
Your saltwater fish aren't having their immune systems boosted by freshwater parasites and diseases.
rykna
Active Member
Very True. I agree completely, especially with the adding the minerals when you mix the salts in. However, once the tank is cycled it is a marine tank-bacteria and all.
This is a very touchy subject....it would be interesting to conduct a test. Have 2 salt tanks same size same occupants, but one uses RO and the other use tap water. Keep records and see what happens.
This is a very touchy subject....it would be interesting to conduct a test. Have 2 salt tanks same size same occupants, but one uses RO and the other use tap water. Keep records and see what happens.
reefkprz
Active Member
Originally Posted by 1journeyman
I believe the trace elements are added to the water through quality salt mixes and water changes.
Imho, the sterile environment theory is faulty on two levels: 1. Fish diseases are killed long before they enter your faucet by the chlorine in the water and 2. Fresh water is totally different than salt water anyway.
Your saltwater fish aren't having their immune systems boosted by freshwater parasites and diseases.
umm just a note not trying to cause any controversy here but the freshwater disease parasite thing doesn't really affect marine fish for the most part because parasites and bacteria rarely cross phylum, so its neither going to infect the fish or boost its immune system, thats one reason hyposalinity works to kill ich in marine fish. and it is pretty much dead water when it enters the tank. which of course can boost pollution.
I agree in part with both of you, If you have a lot of expirience and are aware of possible dangers you can moniter these, just like rykana said its not reccomended for the begginer who has little working knowledge. I use tap water and am aware of possible danger. I also use ro/di every once in a while that my buddy makes me to help dilute any build up.
I believe the trace elements are added to the water through quality salt mixes and water changes.
Imho, the sterile environment theory is faulty on two levels: 1. Fish diseases are killed long before they enter your faucet by the chlorine in the water and 2. Fresh water is totally different than salt water anyway.
Your saltwater fish aren't having their immune systems boosted by freshwater parasites and diseases.
umm just a note not trying to cause any controversy here but the freshwater disease parasite thing doesn't really affect marine fish for the most part because parasites and bacteria rarely cross phylum, so its neither going to infect the fish or boost its immune system, thats one reason hyposalinity works to kill ich in marine fish. and it is pretty much dead water when it enters the tank. which of course can boost pollution.
I agree in part with both of you, If you have a lot of expirience and are aware of possible dangers you can moniter these, just like rykana said its not reccomended for the begginer who has little working knowledge. I use tap water and am aware of possible danger. I also use ro/di every once in a while that my buddy makes me to help dilute any build up.
a2hotz
Member
I was using well water; I had rediculous hair algae and struggling to keep my corals healthy
I now use RO from the machine outside the grocery store; no more algae problem, and very beautiful coral which I have no problems with!
no doubt in my mind - RO wins.
Is spring water the same thing as RO? Is it as good to put in my tank?
I now use RO from the machine outside the grocery store; no more algae problem, and very beautiful coral which I have no problems with!
no doubt in my mind - RO wins.
Is spring water the same thing as RO? Is it as good to put in my tank?
reefkprz
Active Member
Maybe I wont get Ro/di maybe Ill get this system instead check out this link
http://www.poly-bio-marine.com/troubled.htm
http://www.poly-bio-marine.com/troubled.htm
reefkprz
Active Member
Originally Posted by A2hotz
I was using well water; I had rediculous hair algae and struggling to keep my corals healthy
I now use RO from the machine outside the grocery store; no more algae problem, and very beautiful coral which I have no problems with!
no doubt in my mind - RO wins.
Is spring water the same thing as RO? Is it as good to put in my tank?
Depending on the source spring water can be Far worse or far better than tap water from the city, but doesnt even compare to RO/DI water.
I was using well water; I had rediculous hair algae and struggling to keep my corals healthy
I now use RO from the machine outside the grocery store; no more algae problem, and very beautiful coral which I have no problems with!
no doubt in my mind - RO wins.
Is spring water the same thing as RO? Is it as good to put in my tank?
Depending on the source spring water can be Far worse or far better than tap water from the city, but doesnt even compare to RO/DI water.
rykna
Active Member
I have a 15 gallon tank that is currently empty. Once I get my total store credit from my fs(for the returns of my 90 tank) I would be able to conduct the test I suggested; Tap VS RO..... However my current tank is 45 gallons.
What do you all think????? A 45 gallon VS a 15 gallon. Do you think the size would vary the difference too much?????
IMHO~I think since we are addressing the components of the water; a smaller tank would degrade much quicker if I used tap water instead of RO; in regards to unwanted algae growth and water quality. So if I do the same maintance with the 45(tap water) and the 15(RO water) and the 15 gallon levels remain constant in a time span of say a month; and I would already therorize that I would have to do more water level balancing with my 45 to keep the same consistancy. And probably more cleaning to because of the agressive algae growth due to the elevated levels of minerals.
What do you think??? :thinking:
What do you all think????? A 45 gallon VS a 15 gallon. Do you think the size would vary the difference too much?????
IMHO~I think since we are addressing the components of the water; a smaller tank would degrade much quicker if I used tap water instead of RO; in regards to unwanted algae growth and water quality. So if I do the same maintance with the 45(tap water) and the 15(RO water) and the 15 gallon levels remain constant in a time span of say a month; and I would already therorize that I would have to do more water level balancing with my 45 to keep the same consistancy. And probably more cleaning to because of the agressive algae growth due to the elevated levels of minerals.
What do you think??? :thinking:
1journeyman
Active Member
Originally Posted by reefkprZ
umm just a note not trying to cause any controversy here but the freshwater disease parasite thing doesn't really affect marine fish for the most part because parasites and bacteria rarely cross phylum, so its neither going to infect the fish or boost its immune system,....
yup. Exactly my point.
umm just a note not trying to cause any controversy here but the freshwater disease parasite thing doesn't really affect marine fish for the most part because parasites and bacteria rarely cross phylum, so its neither going to infect the fish or boost its immune system,....
yup. Exactly my point.