Water Testing Before Setting Up New Reef Tank

[Karliefish]

Hi everyone,
Been reading a lot about all the water test companies that are available to test aquarium water and how some of them even offer suggestions for improving water parameters - CA, MG, ALK, etc. My question is did any of you get your home water tested prior to starting your new reef tank. I live in the North Carolina blue ridge mountains and my home is on a well water system. I want to make sure that there is nothing “out of the norm” with my well water before I start the expense and heartache/joy of setting up a new reef tank. I can’t seem to find testing that is done to tell you if there is anything wrong with your water that you need to be concerned about before starting a new reef tank. Anyone else had this concern? And what did you do to address? Many thanks everyone!

 

[andrewey]

I was on well water in NC and we received well reports once a year. There are a few companies that will do water testing pretty cheaply for things like fluoride, arsenic, copper, etc. (you don't need the fancy ICP testing at this stage). That being said, are you planning on getting an RODI for water?

 

[muzikalmatt]

Hello there! There are several companies that can conduct an ICP (Inductively Coupled Plasma) analysis of your water, but that is typically used for testing your aquarium water after it is setup and running for a while, or potentially testing your RODI water to make sure it is clean.

Regardless of your water source (well water, municipal water, etc), you will want to purchase a RODI (Reverse Osmosis Deionization) system to purify your water and then utilize a good salt mix to create your fresh saltwater. You could purchase a TDS meter (Total Dissolved Solids) to check your well water which could help inform what type of RODI system you might need, but a 4 stage RODI system will probably be sufficient.

You want your water to show a TDS of 0 when it is filtered as any impurities could cause problems with your tank. The issue with any measurable TDS (even 1 TDS) is that you don't know what that actually is. It could something relatively minor like silicates, or it could be something awful like heavy metals. That's why it's important to ensure you are starting with 0 TDS water prior to mixing your saltwater and adding it to your tank. If you can't afford an RODI system yet, you could purchase RODI water or pre-mixed saltwater from a local fish store.

I hope this information helps! Let me know if you have any questions!

 

[Karliefish]

I was on well water in NC and we received well reports once a year. There are a few companies that will do water testing pretty cheaply for things like fluoride, arsenic, copper, etc. (you don't need the fancy ICP testing at this stage). That being said, are you planning on getting an RODI for water?

yes, absolutely will be part of my setup. Getting a well company to come-out and give me a report is a good suggestion. Thanks.

 

[Karliefish]

Hello there! There are several companies that can conduct an ICP (Inductively Coupled Plasma) analysis of your water, but that is typically used for testing your aquarium water after it is setup and running for a while, or potentially testing your RODI water to make sure it is clean.

Regardless of your water source (well water, municipal water, etc), you will want to purchase a RODI (Reverse Osmosis Deionization) system to purify your water and then utilize a good salt mix to create your fresh saltwater. You could purchase a TDS meter (Total Dissolved Solids) to check your well water which could help inform what type of RODI system you might need, but a 4 stage RODI system will probably be sufficient.

You want your water to show a TDS of 0 when it is filtered as any impurities could cause problems with your tank. The issue with any measurable TDS (even 1 TDS) is that you don't know what that actually is. It could something relatively minor like silicates, or it could be something awful like heavy metals. That's why it's important to ensure you are starting with 0 TDS water prior to mixing your saltwater and adding it to your tank. If you can't afford an RODI system yet, you could purchase RODI water or pre-mixed saltwater from a local fish store.

I hope this information helps! Let me know if you have any questions!

RODI system is definitely part of the purchase plan. I've been trying to decide between the BRS RODI 4 stage system or the SpectraPure 4 stage system. looking for around 180-200GPD. Thoughts on what you have found good?

 

[CavalierReef]

While you are "shopping", give the systems that Marc sells on Melevsreef.com. Great units that come with video installation instructions that even I can understand. He gives a lot back to the hobby and supporting a small business is a plus IMHO.

 

[muzikalmatt]

RODI system is definitely part of the purchase plan. I've been trying to decide between the BRS RODI 4 stage system or the SpectraPure 4 stage system. looking for around 180-200GPD. Thoughts on what you have found good?

I have the SpectraPure 4-stage system and love it. I believe it's the 90 GPD model with the built-in pressure gauge. I also added the dual TDS meter that measures the in and out lines. I've had it for over a year now and it's still producing 0 TDS water even though I haven't changed the filters yet. Although my water demand is pretty low given that I only have a 40 gallon tank (more like 34 gallons factoring in rock and equipment).

 

[andrewey]

Can't go wrong with the spectrapure, BRS, purewaterclub, or melevsreef. At that point, it's purely up to who you want to buy from, customer service, price point, etc. No bad decisions there

 

[Karliefish]

While you are "shopping", give the systems that Marc sells on Melevsreef.com. Great units that come with video installation instructions that even I can understand. He gives a lot back to the hobby and supporting a small business is a plus IMHO.

Hey thanks for the recommendation on Melevsreef. Marc’s 150 RODI system might be perfect for me as I‘m on a well system.