In Need of RO water.

sheeb · May 8, 2022

Hey guys so I need some water pretty badly, just didn’t have enough time to get to it today and all LFS stores are closed until Tuesday. Is there anything I can buy at the store (just need about 10 gallons) that I could mix salt with? Pet smart has the top Finn pre conditioned freshwater but not sure if that’s safe. Let me know asap please thanks!

Auquanut · May 8, 2022

In a pinch, you can use Walmart distilled water that you get out of the machine in my opinion. Not the best option, but it won't destroy your tank from one water change. In all honesty, it may be better than some of the RO/DI sold by some LFS's. Of course, the best long-term solution is to make your own.

Sean Clark · May 8, 2022

Years ago in an "emergency" I used 8 or 10 gallons of distilled water that comes in the gallon jugs at the grocery store. Not ideal but nothing bad happened either.

Edit: I should add this was on a 110 gallon system so less than 10%.

sheeb · May 8, 2022

Sean Clark said:
Years ago in an "emergency" I used 8 or 10 gallons of distilled water that comes in the gallon jugs at the grocery store. Not ideal but nothing bad happened either.

Edit: I should add this was on a 110 gallon system so less than 10%.

This is a 60 gallon. Could just wait because it is for my sump but I’m going to need around ~6 or 7 gallons. Realized I had a bit of mixed water already

vetteguy53081 · May 8, 2022

sheeb said:
Hey guys so I need some water pretty badly, just didn’t have enough time to get to it today and all LFS stores are closed until Tuesday. Is there anything I can buy at the store (just need about 10 gallons) that I could mix salt with? Pet smart has the top Finn pre conditioned freshwater but not sure if that’s safe. Let me know asap please thanks!

Distilled or spring water or refill stations at walmart will work

JCM · May 8, 2022

vetteguy53081 said:
Distilled or spring water or refill stations at walmart will work

Most refill stations around me are only RO, not DI with TDS in the 30's - 50's. Maybe fine but you're not sure what you're getting exactly. I agree with distilled though, it's always worked fine in a pinch.