Page 1 of 1

RO Versus Tap Water

Posted: Thu Jun 07, 2012 10:54 pm
by sgtmyers88
Okay so what are the pros and cons with using RO and Tap Water?

I recently heard from a LFS that Tap Water is unhealthy for converting to aquarium saltwater and it is to blame for my SW tank having grey/purple hair algae and cloudy water? I had been using it for the majority of the time wayyy back when I first set up my old 55G and had my GSP's in brackish water.

I had simply treated the water the same as my FW tanks and mixed the proper marine salt accordingly.

As for adverse effects the only thing I ever noticed was that the PH ratings ranged from 8.4-8.9.

Re: RO Versus Tap Water

Posted: Thu Jun 07, 2012 11:39 pm
by FADE2BLACK_1973
RO water it filtered water. You can find RO units that you can install under you kitchen fauset at Wal-Mart for around $200 for the whole unit.

Re: RO Versus Tap Water

Posted: Fri Jun 08, 2012 6:33 am
by Nuclear_Glitter
When it comes to using tap water in saltwater tanks it can cause some of the problems you mentioned and more. The reason for this is tap water has certain minerals, elements, and additives that RO water removes so you don't get a build up of these things.

So in the long run RO water is better for SW. You can generally find these units on Ebay for cheaper than their usual price.

Re: RO Versus Tap Water

Posted: Fri Jun 08, 2012 6:47 am
by RTR
It really would depend on the quality and profile of your tap water and the type of tank you are operating.

If you are running a simple FO system and doing high volume partials, RO may be effectively wasted, or may leave you open to unwanted algae blooms.

If you are running FOwLR and a skimmer and perhaps a macroalgae refugium, the lower level of water partials may well fully justify the extra cost and time to do RO or perhaps even RODI.

If you are running a reef, RO is likely to be fully worthwhile. RODI may even be justified, depending on the profile of your water source.

RO = Reverse osmosis

RODI = Reverse osmosis followed by deionization.

Re: RO Versus Tap Water

Posted: Fri Jun 08, 2012 11:47 am
by Pufferpunk
Everything you need to know & great prices! Be sure to check out their videos.
http://www.bulkreefsupply.com