Mako,
To answer your question in short. It is better to get the water from your lfs than to use tap water generally speaking. The problem is that tap water can contain numerous additives that make the water safe for human consumption...but we are far more tolerant than many other species. You'd also be surprised at what's considered "safe" for human consumption...ask for a water makeup report from your local water company and you'll see what I mean. Anyway, maybe I can better explain through another experience I had. I have always loved discus ( a freshwater fish considered difficult in the hobby.) I had always used tap water for all my tanks without serious affect, then I moved states, and continued the same practice, only to be slapped in the face when the water company did it's usuall spring and summer phosphate water treatments, needless to say the fish went from happy to clamped fin, irregular breathing, and regardless of how much water I changed it didn't get better. So, after a friend and I lost breeding pairs and young precious favorite friends, and hearing through the lfs that this was the worst one to date, and that they as well as many people accross the town lost fish due to the extreme levels used, I guess so high that even their huge R/O system only cut them down. So, I had two choices, buy an expensive R/O unit to at least buffer against these kinds of problems, or learn the water companies patterns and continue on. I chose a middle road, got a less expensive DI unit, and studied the water companies chemical usage after getting reports for a year, and getting info from the lfs who talked directly to them. My sticking with tap water was decided by one factor, and that is without any chemical additions(outside the usual chlorine) our tap water is really pure...I've had exhaustive testing done a number or times, working with the lfs. anyway, unless you're willing to go to this extent finding out what and how much and when the water company is dumping, it would be far safer either buying the water or at least getting a good DI unit for your tap. Do realise that marine tanks are far more sensitive than freshwater tanks in general, and everything is worth more(financially and morally). In the end Misty is barking up the right tree. You don't want distilled as that is totally devoid of anything, and you don't want tap, you want something "just right"..kinda sounds like a nursery rhyme. The point is to KNOW for sure what is going in so you have control. The best scenario for control is R/O being next to distilled in purity. I've said alot, and will let some other's speak, have fun with it! Dave
[ August 06, 2001: Message edited by: OceanBlue ]
[ August 06, 2001: Message edited by: OceanBlue ]
