RO vs Tap water

I've always used pre-salted (i.e. mixed by the place I bought it) RO water for my tank.

I only just realised that you can treat normal tapwater for use in saltwater aquariums.

So I got some Interpet TapSafe stuff to add to some tapwater. Much less hassle than driving to my LFS as it's like 6 miles away.

I salt mix it with Tetra Marine Seasalt.

What's the difference between mixing tapwater yourself and using RO water? The fish don't seem bothered by it at the moment, all water params seem about normal...

The guy in my LFS said it can cause more alge growth and phosphate levels will be higher...

Is it always better to use RO, or is tap water just as safe?

 

The guy at your lfs is right, you will have more algae growth phosphate levels will be high along with all the other things that's in your tap water. Also depending how many times you feed your tank that will also add to what's ever in your water. Best bet is to get a ro-di unit.

 

I would say no go on the tap, it gave me huge diatom blooms. Spend the 200 and get a ro unit

 

I used tap for a year, but I tested it every couple months with freshwater kits. Tap water can be used if your local tap is OK. Generally though, this is rare.


What happens is your tap has all kinds of random metals and phosphates in it. It could even have traces of copper in it depending on how your home is setup.

As the water evaporates from the tank, these metals and phosphates do not. So as you continue to add tap water, all these bad things start to accumulate and can lead to all kinds of problems. Including algae and diatom outbreaks.

RO\DI water has absolutely 0 in it other than water. So when you mix it with your salt, you know exactly what you are putting in your tank.

It is well worth the 6 miles and even more worth investing in an RO\DI machine for your home. Check out http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/store...systems/reverses-osmosis-deionization-systems for some great ones

 

Anyone know a good place to get a RO unit in the UK then?

Dunno if it's worth buying an RO unit or just getting RO water from my LFS.

 

Depends on the cost. For me it is only a quarter a gallon.So I am in no big rush. Only need about 15g a week.

One thing though is that I don not blindly trust my LFS. Just because they sell RO/DI does not mean they actually give you good water. The same guy that sevices my plant also services my LFS. He said "that is on top of his stuff. His stuff is always in good shape." So I buy with confidence.

I'll get a RO/Di at some point.

 

Stick with RO/DI.
Especially if you're trying to keep color in your SPS corals. No point putting phosphate in your tank with tap then trying to take it back out with GFO.

 

you should also be topping off with the RO\DI. this doesnt apply to only mixed saltwater, just to be clear.

 

If you have just a FOWLR tank, then the tap water won't be that detrimental IMO, but it can lead to nuisance algae and buildup of other compounds you don't want if your tank. I suggest get your own RO/DI unit, it will pay for itself eventually.