what is ro/di water

[rayraypico]

i have read some threads on how to get rid of brown growth on the bottom of the tank. i am in the begining of a cycle and have this growth. sombody mentioned making a water change with ro/di water what is this. and is using tap water real bad when making water for your tank

 

[dreeves]

RO/DI is reverse osmosis and de-ionazation. A combination of filtration methods. The RO portion is a very fine membrane in which water passes through removing most impurities...The DI portion removes negative and positive ions...like phosphates, nitrates and others.
Unless your tap water doesn't contain silica, nitrate or phosphate...it is ok. If it contains any of these (most water systems do) then you are simply feeding the algea.

 

[rayraypico]

this is the first i have heard of this where can i get this water and what else do i need to know

 

[slick]

You can buy a RO/DI unit online. I can't post the site here but if you do a search you should be able to find one. If you can't send me a e-mail and I'll help you out.

 

[dsa_mom]

If you don't feel ready to invest in a unit (up to $200) many LFS sell ro/di water. Lots of people test the water to be sure they are changing filters, etc. The water machines at wal-mart or some food stores where you fill up gallon jugs are usually ro/di units, too. Likewise, be sure the water is as pure as you expect. After hauling gallon jugs for a while, believe me, the cost of a home unit looks less lethal!!

 

[dreeves]

You can buy a basic 3 stage RO/DI unit not made by the brands carried by online fish supply sites for around 100.00...seach some of the bigger auction sites and look for RO/DI units made by companies not geared towards the aquarium trade.
When looking for one...look for the different stages...i.e..sediment, carbon, RO, and DI. Also bare in mind the gph rating of the membrain. Even with the gph of the membrane...bare in mind those ratings are under ideal circumstances...living in the real world we hardly have the ideal circumstances in our homes. Bigger is better for speed...more stages are better for the final product quality.