Water for your tanks

[saltwater in nebraska]

I was wondering what people are using for their water besides RO. I want to do a FOWLR tank for a year or 2 before I go to reef. I'm not ready to spend the money on an RO unit until I go reef so I was wondering what else people are using? filters, treatments?

 

[amphiprion]

I'm probably the odd person out here as I use regular old tap water - no filtering, nothing. I have a large FOWLR and 2 reef tanks going for two years - no problems whatsoever. But, it all depends on your local water supply. I have spring water - so it may not be so bad as other people's supply. I mix up my water at least 24 hours in advance of a change and add a dechlorinator. For a Fish Only tank I don't think RO/DI water is as critical.

 

[saltwater in nebraska]

What brand or chemical do you use for a dechlorinator?

 

[fshhub]

i used to use aquasafe, but if you are going to use tap water test everything, your source could have nitrates or phosphates, or much WORSE metals,
ESPECIALLY IF IT IS SPRING WATER, this only icreases the odds of haveing lime, or iron in your water just to name 2
if you are in town, i would still test for everythhing before using tap water, and stil use a cechlorintaor
but you'd be better with RO

 

[fshhub]

oooooops double post