What gets wasted the most in aquariums?

FX CharityCorals · Apr 18, 2013

Just wondering what you think is the most wasteful husbandry product in our hobby? I think water is.

cdness · Apr 18, 2013

I would have to agree with you on that one. With the waste ratio of a standard RODI system you get 1 gallon good for every 4 gallons wasted. So for example if you wanted to do a 10 gallon water change you are using 50 gallons of water (10G dumped down the drain from the tank and 40 gallons of RODI waste)

However if you ignore water and certain livestock practices, the next largest I would say is plastics. Many people still buy ready made supplements for their tanks and toss away the bottles all the time. This can add up over time and plastics are one of the things that are plaguing areas of the ocean. Buying in larger quantities or going the DIY route can significantly reduce the impact of plastics in the hobby.

ehocean · Apr 18, 2013

Time. My wife always tell me that I spend more time on my fish tank than with the children.

mike007 · Apr 18, 2013

Liquid coral foods are not all consumed and end up in the skimmer cup.

Xingu · Apr 18, 2013

Electricity, but it is getting better. Equipment is getting more efficient.

BENT STIX · Apr 18, 2013

My waste rodi water goes to water my plants.

120 gallon reef
45g clown anemone

buddythelion · Apr 18, 2013

Money. LOL.

slapshot · Apr 18, 2013

buddythelion said:
Money. LOL.

+1 best answer

AlexAquaFX · Apr 18, 2013

Someone already beat me to money! I also agree with BENT STIX, RO/DI waste can add up it. It makes the thought of investing into a 1:1 or 2:1 unit not so bad, when you consider the savings.

3Twinklets · Apr 18, 2013

Me Too!! Money. RO/DI wastewater goes in my Koi Pond

Damon · Apr 18, 2013

With the waste ro/di, what can it be used for besides plants? Can it be consumed safely? I have a water line on my fridge, but it isn't hooked up? It would be great if this water could be used constructively.

I think that's my biggest waste also, though I do have the upgrade conversion on my unit, so I don't waste as much water. But is still water going basically down the drain?

Sent from Note 2

AlexAquaFX · Apr 19, 2013

Not safe for mammals unfortunately! Good for ornamental plants, or maybe flushing your toilet lol! The waste line has high concentrates of fluoride and other unwanted things for drinking water.