So I'm a complete newbie when it comes to saltwater. I just picked up my first system yesterday and I'm ready to set it up. I have all the materials except an rodi system. I was wondering if I would be fine to fill my 46 bowfront with tap (dechlorinate) for just the initial fill up and then use rodi water after. Thoughts?
RO/DI Water
- Thread starter samue202
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redfishbluefish
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I wouldn't do it.....but I know folks who have done so. As far as I'm concerned, an RO/DI system (or purchasing same) is a required piece of equipment.
kendavjac
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Yes you could but not recommended. Some towns have ok water with only a little bit of nasties but some are horrible and it will make the initial algae bloom horrible. You are much better off going to a LFS and buying some water.
redfishbluefish
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I'll beat @AZDesertRat to the recommendation...........HERE is a fine system from Spectrapure....at a good deal.
PatW
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The problem is that a water system can have high levels of metals that are toxic to fish and it can have pretty high levels of phosphates and nitrates. It is like playing Russian Roulette. Why take the chance? You can generally buy RODI water at the LFS. You can even buy premixed salt water from some LFS. Or you can just wait till you get your own RODI. Starting out with compromised water is just putting yourself in the hole from the get go. Also, you will have no idea if your water is good or not. Almost every new system develops some problems. Not being sure of your water quality will just make things harder to resolve down the road. That being said, some people use tap water for the initial fill and do OK and some people regret it.
