Hi, I want to get into the Saltwater tanks. I have been in freshwater for some years now and what to up the stage. But the main thing I am worried about is the water for the tank. I have been researching about saltwater tanks and I see everyone is saying that you will absolutely need one of those RO/DI filters. But I cant afford to get one of those. Some say they you cant use tap water for saltwater tanks but I have been using it in my FW tanks with no problem. I live in NW Indiana and in my neighborhood our water is fantastic imo,but if I use some very good dechlorinator will it fantastic enough for the SW tank? Or can I use store bought water? I know people use store bought water for their SW tanks, so which is good? Just to wrap it up can some one please help me!!!
Choosing Water For Saltwater Tank?
- Thread starter Fishman144
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willthethrill
Active Member
For smaller tanks you can get away with buying saltwater from your local fish store. However, you will be making a lot of trips to the store. You will need salt water for your water changes (which are necessary for a successful tank), and you will also need distilled fresh water to top off water that evaporates every day (to maintain the water salinity consistent). Using tap water will cause so many phosphate and algae issues. It's a headache you don't wanna deal with. So many other things you'll need to research and learn about in this hobby. However, the most basic thing, your water source should not be one of them man. Bulk reef supply. com sells basic ro/di units starting at 149. When I got my first 20 gallon tank 5 years ago I used to go to the pet store and buy salt water, and Walmart to buy distilled water gallons. Let me tell you that got old the first week. Making your own water also ensures that it's being made with a good quality salt of your choosing.
Spectrapure sells a full size, reef quality RO/DI for $112 that can't be beat.
My advice is put off buying anything else until you can afford a RO/DI system or have a trusted source if water. If it is worth doing, it is worth doing right the first time. More people quit the hobby over poor water than anything else.
My advice is put off buying anything else until you can afford a RO/DI system or have a trusted source if water. If it is worth doing, it is worth doing right the first time. More people quit the hobby over poor water than anything else.
Do not buy a portable RO, it will cost you more, will not filter as well, the replacements do not come in the preferred low micron ranges, are harder to find, do not last as long and cost more to replace than a real reef quality RO/DI. In one year alone you will be upside down by comparison.
dbl
It Takes Less Energy to be Nice
Have to agree with @AZDesertRat on this one, and not just because he helped me when I made my buying decision. Quality water is the one thing we all need in this hobby. I would agree on waiting to do anything else until you can get an RO/DI system.
Here is the one from Spectrapure he was referring to: http://spectrapure.com/Refurbished-90-GPD-RODI-System. For an additional $30, here is a better option: http://spectrapure.com/Aquarium-RO-...ement-Filter Kit-TDS Meters-Chlorine-Test-Kit. It comes with the unit, a set of replacement filters and a TDS meter.
I realize it's easy for us to spend your money, but water quality is really that important. As it's been alluded to, poor water can cause all types of frustrations and lesson your enjoyment of this great hobby.
Here is the one from Spectrapure he was referring to: http://spectrapure.com/Refurbished-90-GPD-RODI-System. For an additional $30, here is a better option: http://spectrapure.com/Aquarium-RO-...ement-Filter Kit-TDS Meters-Chlorine-Test-Kit. It comes with the unit, a set of replacement filters and a TDS meter.
I realize it's easy for us to spend your money, but water quality is really that important. As it's been alluded to, poor water can cause all types of frustrations and lesson your enjoyment of this great hobby.
