Will using Bottled Water Help Eliminate Phosphates?

I am having a phosphate problem! Which in turn has caused a BAD diatom problem in my tank! I use tap water and that is where it is coming from but I do NOT have the money for an RO/DI unit or to get a reactor. Someone suggested getting one of those 5gal juggs that you can get from a store and then just bringing it up to temperature and using that for water changes instead. I can get those refilled for like $5. Does anyone have experience doing so? Will this actually work? And when i do my first water change what percentage should I do? Just a normal 20%?

 

Diatoms come from silicates in the water. Bottled water may or may not depending on the source, the quality of the filtration and how well the unit is maintained.

 

I have about 6 5g jugs and I get about 4 jugs filled from a fish store about 45min from my house and I just store saltwater intel i need it for water change it last me for about 2 months and i have 1 5g jug with fresh water for evaporation and i have a 14g biocube so i do about 2 to 3g water change every 1-2 weeks. have you tested your tap water for Phosphates i have never used tap water but there could be Phosphates in the water

 

Yes there is phosphates in my tap water.

 

ya i would look into getting jugs. see if your LFS has pre-made saltwater i pay like $.90 to $1.00 for water

 

Exactly. Distilled water would be your second-best option. You should be able to find that at a Walmart or even a supermarket or convenience store. Just read the label to make sure nothing has been added for flavor.

 

Just remember, the BIGGEST source of phosphates in your tank is the food you place in it. Almost ALL food you can find will have high phosphates in it but some more than others as some will add phosphates for preserving.
Phosphate is a natural compound in food, even what we eat.

 

Diatoms are usually Silicates. Aluminum Oxide Pellets(balls) will take care of Phosphate and Silicates. But, Phosphates will contaminate the Aluminum Oxide much faster than the Silicates will. So, get those under control with GFO first.