Water top off question

Oldsman · Aug 3, 2020

I just noticed the water level was about half way down the window on my biocube 32 return pump compartment. I don't have any reserve RO water right now , and lfs is about hr drive . Can I use distilled water to add or not . My salinity is currently 1.025

Kryptonian · Aug 3, 2020

Yes, it's totally fine for a top off. It's mineral-free, clean water.

There's really nothing wrong with running a tank on distilled water, but it normally runs more expensive than buying RO water or just having your own RODI unit.

Just curious, how much RO are you buying and what does LFS sell it for? Only asking because I did a cost breakdown of RODI vs buying from LFS last night and was surprised how much just having a RODI unit can save you.

Oldsman · Aug 3, 2020

Kryptonian said:
Yes, it's totally fine for a top off. It's mineral-free, clean water.

Thanks, it likely won't drop much over next couple days, just trying to avoid any trouble

PTXReef · Aug 4, 2020

Kryptonian said:
Yes, it's totally fine for a top off. It's mineral-free, clean water.

There's really nothing wrong with running a tank on distilled water, but it normally runs more expensive than buying RO water or just having your own RODI unit.

Just curious, how much RO are you buying and what does LFS sell it for? Only asking because I did a cost breakdown of RODI vs buying from LFS last night and was surprised how much just having a RODI unit can save you.

Definitely agree with getting a RODI unit! One of the best purchases!

AdamD76 · Aug 4, 2020

This is what i used when i had my biocube 32.

AQUATIC LIFE RO Buddie Four Stage Osmosis System, 50-gal - Chewy.com

Buy Aquatic Life RO Buddie Four Stage Osmosis System, 50-gal at Chewy.com. FREE shipping and the BEST customer service!

www.chewy.com

If you keep the cover on then evap will not be that bad. I took the cover off and was topping off every other day until i got an auto top off unit.
This:

AutoTopoff.com

autotopoff.com

Oldsman · Aug 4, 2020

Kryptonian said:
Yes, it's totally fine for a top off. It's mineral-free, clean water.

There's really nothing wrong with running a tank on distilled water, but it normally runs more expensive than buying RO water or just having your own RODI unit.

Just curious, how much RO are you buying and what does LFS sell it for? Only asking because I did a cost breakdown of RODI vs buying from LFS last night and was surprised how much just having a RODI unit can save you.

I was buying 20 g at a time , last time was pre mixed salt water for my big water change ..used about 12 . They charge 1.50 per g for mix or .75 for rode
I'm definitely looking at a rodi filter set up to avoid the travel .

Oldsman · Aug 4, 2020

AdamD76 said:
This is what i used when i had my biocube 32.

AQUATIC LIFE RO Buddie Four Stage Osmosis System, 50-gal - Chewy.com

Buy Aquatic Life RO Buddie Four Stage Osmosis System, 50-gal at Chewy.com. FREE shipping and the BEST customer service!

www.chewy.com

If you keep the cover on then evap will not be that bad. I took the cover off and was topping off every other day until i got an auto top off unit.
This:

AutoTopoff.com

autotopoff.com

Thanks ! I'm definitely looking at these systems

Kryptonian · Aug 4, 2020

Oldsman said:
I was buying 20 g at a time , last time was pre mixed salt water for my big water change ..used about 12 . They charge 1.50 per g for mix or .75 for rode
I'm definitely looking at a rodi filter set up to avoid the travel .

This was a quick breakdown for buying 40 gallons of RODI per month vs making it on your own. Since you're at $0.75/gallon, your annual cost at 40g/mo would be $360 per year. In this scenario, that same amount of RODI with your own unit will cost you $70 upfront with an $85 annual maintenance starting 5 months after the initial purchase. Would really save you a bunch.