I know there are products out there like PhosGuard and ChemiPure to remove silicates, phosphates, and nitrates. Im not ready to buy an RO system, water tank, mag pump, etc, etc, etc. can I just start off with media and a protein skimmer and have good results with little algae? any other suggestions? Im okay with starting with a few fish, live, rock, and live sand and not diving into the whole coral world yet. Thanks
Is is possible to avoid using RO water through filtration media?
- Thread starter Ram
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AlexG
Valuable Member
It is possible to use tap water with little to no algae BUT, that all depends on the tap water source. Tap water will need to be tested before using it straight away then there is always a risk because that water source can change over time. Remember water departments are trying to make water safe for humans and not a reef/fish aquarium. The cost of all the chemicals to remove all of the unwanted stuff from the water will cost far more than an RODI system. On top of that chemicals do not instantly remove anything so the damage can be done before they take effect. If you don't want to buy an RO system consider buying RO water. I would purchase a TDS meter to test store bought water before paying for it. My recommendation would be to buy an RODI system or purchase RODI water. Taking shortcuts in the saltwater hobby are costly and not recommended. I am sure there will be a number of responses here that will help to guide you to a solution. Welcome to reef2reef.
thefuz
Active Member
You'll be able to avoid major problems early on but some of those chemicals can cause problems down the road as they build up in concentration. It's possible that they'll be absorbed by the rockwork and leach back out into the water column over time when you reduce their concentration through water changes.
You can probably find a good deal on an RO system here on the forums also. Combine that with a Rubbermaid Brute container from HD/Lowes and you're in business - maybe even for under $100.
You can probably find a good deal on an RO system here on the forums also. Combine that with a Rubbermaid Brute container from HD/Lowes and you're in business - maybe even for under $100.
The simple answer is No. Your goal as a reef hobbyist is to provide the best environment you can afford for your inhabitants so they can live out their entire lifespan and thrive. The goal of a RO/DI is 0 TDS, pure water which is then mixed with your salt which has the correct ingredients at the correct levels since it is designed to be used with 0 TDS water. When you use tap water levels are off since yo uare starting with elements in the wate rto begin with, some good and some bad.
If you don't want to invest in an RO/DI in the beginning then find a trusted source of water you can depend on. You can buy RO or better yet RO/DI water for as little as 25 cents a gallon many places. My only suggestion when buying your water though is invest $25 in a good ATC compensated handheld TDS meter and confirm that what you are getting is really what they represent it to be, often maintenance on a RO or RO/DI system is lacking and it shows up with the meter.
If you don't want to invest in an RO/DI in the beginning then find a trusted source of water you can depend on. You can buy RO or better yet RO/DI water for as little as 25 cents a gallon many places. My only suggestion when buying your water though is invest $25 in a good ATC compensated handheld TDS meter and confirm that what you are getting is really what they represent it to be, often maintenance on a RO or RO/DI system is lacking and it shows up with the meter.
