spring water?

Here's a dumb question. What are the dangers of using poland spring water with instant ocean salt vs.ro/di H20 ?

 

I would not use it. Bottled water regulations are very slack compared to the regulations on tap water. In some cases, "Spring Water" doesn't even come from springs ( same with glacial water). There are cases where fecal contaminants have been found and other cases where companies were bottling city water. I would stick with RODI.

Are you all having issues with methane in your tap water from fracking? Part of the NE has been. Just something to consider when filtering your tap water.

 

Also, for what it's worth, our local springs are having nutrient and subsequent algae problems. The glass bottom boats have been docked because of said algae.

 

+1

Also, should it actually come from a spring, it most likely will be high in minerals and compounds which can fudge your chemistry. You'd do better with distilled water if RO/DI is not available.

 

+1. RO/DI is the only option for several reasons. To name a few:

1) It is cheaper than any alternative (besides tap water). If you calculate the costs of the initial unit and replacement filters, you will find RO/DI to be somewhere around 1/3 the cost of buying water.
2) It has nothing in it. It is cheaper and easier to start off with virtually pure water and add stuff, than it is to start off with unpure water then waste money on equipment and substrates to remove the impurities (that are feeding algae growth and building up in your rocks).
3) You don't have to lug it home from the store.

Keep in mind that you must do your research and learn about how these systems work if money is a factor for you. You should know how to properly use and maintain them.