What type of water to use?

[elvictre]

i was wondering what type of water do I need to use to do a water change? Do I need to by a RO unit or can I use tap water and treat it? As of now I have a guy who takes care of my tank but I rather do it on my own. Any help please.
Thanks
Vic

 

[lion_crazz]

It all depends on your water. Preferably, you want to use RO, but if you use tap every now and then, it will not hurt too badly. I have tested my tap and it has 5ppm of nitrates, and very little phosphates, so after treating it with the correct chemicals, my tap is fine. I would not make it a habit to use tap, but if it a neccessity, it's okay. You don't need to buy an RO unit. Most fish stores sell RO water for 30 to 70 cents a gallon.

 

[bang guy]

Buying an Ro unit or a RO/DI unit is a good investment. If you want coral it's pretty much mandatory to use pure water.

 

[lion_crazz]

Yeah, sorry, I should have said that if you are keeping corals or inverts, using tap water is out of the question. Fish only tanks can handle it, but definitely not reef systems.

 

[xoxox]

If you think about how much just 5 gallons of water weighs, you'll get an RO unit. Even if the seller is located down the block, you still have gallons upon gallons of water to move. My RO unit is hooked to my sink with its own small tank and surface faucet, open it up... right into my can! Not to mention, its just really great water for everything.

 

[elvictre]

Thanks guys, I get home delivery of poland spring water in 5 gal jugs for my dispenser. So I was think of trying to use that. Would that be OK?
Thanks
Vic

 

[mujtba]

i dont think u can use spring water..
i used distilled walmart water cuz everyone said that was fine..
this water stuff sux... problem upon problem...

 

[bang guy]

No, that's not OK.
Ask them if they can deliver RO or distilled water.

 

[elvictre]

Isn't distilled water simply boiled water? Also how long does it take to make RO water if I buy a unit, is making water a long process?
Thanks
Vic

 

[bang guy]

Distilled water is condensed steam, not boiled water.
The time it takes to make RO water depends on the RO membrane. Once you get it set up it's very easy.

 

[xoxox]

Some units can kick out alot, I believe it is rated gallons per day. Although mine is only rated for 10 gpd, it rocks since I have high water pressure (plus the small holding tank helps). I have a GE unit which works great.