Where to get water

[Crimsontopper]

So I am starting up a new tank, 10 gallon, and I have a question about water. My water from the tap is ridiculously dirty. Given my neighbors' issues with whole house filters lasting a 3rd of the predicted time, I have a feeling that any RODI system I could get would be bogged down fast. I would have to change filters so often it would not be worth it. I am considering getting some water from walmart, they have those big refillable jugs you can get. They're like those culligan man water cooler deals (I'm pretty sure I just dated myself). I would get some from my LFS, but the nearest one is about an hour away, which makes it rather inconvenient. I didn't think this would be a problem until I saw someone comment that some grocery store water could be distilled with copper and that's an issue since I want to keep corals. Does anyone know if this is an acceptable solution or do I need to figure something else out?

 

[Crabs McJones]

Welcome to R2R!

#WelcometoR2R
Most grocery stores sell gallon jugs of RO water that you can use. I would still strongly recommend an RO/DI unit though. Even though you may have to change out the pre filters more often if you do in fact have dirty water, it's a better piece of mind knowing that you have 0 TDS water going into your tank instead of the unknown from an outside source

 

[Dystinction]

Welcome @Crimsontopper , and I'll agree with @Crabs Mcjones on this one.
To add to it, with just a 10 gallon tank, you probably won't be running the RODI too much, even with weekly water changes and top off water.
You could also look into refilling your own cartridges, and purchasing in bulk.

 

[Super Fly]

u should do some math and estimate cost of buying water vs getting a RODI. With dirty water your DI resin would need replacing more often. My RODI system was going thru the DI resin really quickly, so I started filling the DI resin myself. What use to cost me $20/DI cartridge, now I can fill 2.5 cartridges with BRS resin at $13/bag! U can install a TDS gauge to monitor and change DI resin whenever TDS goes above 1. U can also install RODI flush valves that'll flush out the RODI prior to each use to help prolong the life of cartridges including the DI resin. Typically u would replace the RODI membrane 1x/yr and carbon cartridge 2x/yr.

 

[Crimsontopper]

u should do some math and estimate cost of buying water vs getting a RODI. With dirty water your DI resin would need replacing more often. My RODI system was going thru the DI resin really quickly, so I started filling the DI resin myself. What use to cost me $20/DI cartridge, now I can fill 2.5 cartridges with BRS resin at $13/bag! U can install a TDS gauge to monitor and change DI resin whenever TDS goes above 1. U can also install RODI flush valves that'll flush out the RODI prior to each use to help prolong the life of cartridges including the DI resin. Typically u would replace the RODI membrane 1x/yr and carbon cartridge 2x/yr.

That was a good idea, so I did it. Assuming I use 3 gallons a week for water changes and top off, @ $.73 per gallon, that's $113.88 per year. The BRS 4 stage with TDS meter is $215. So, it would pay for itself after two years, not including any replacements on the internals. Which is how long I intend to live here, and could be the lifespan of this tank. So, it seems like the rational choice would be to do the Walmart water.

 

[WannaBSpaghetti]

That was a good idea, so I did it. Assuming I use 3 gallons a week for water changes and top off, @ $.73 per gallon, that's $113.88 per year. The BRS 4 stage with TDS meter is $215. So, it would pay for itself after two years, not including any replacements on the internals. Which is how long I intend to live here, and could be the lifespan of this tank. So, it seems like the rational choice would be to do the Walmart water.

Way to do the math! That is a sound conclusion with just one concern - do you intend to dispose of the tank and leave the hobby when you move? There seems to me to be 3 outcomes to consider;

1. You decide the hobby isn't for you as you move. Your math checks out and you made a great decision

2. You decide that the 2 year labor of love isn't worth tossing in the process of the move, and decide to keep your 10g nano tank going! You'd have to re-do the math but you'll likely still be breaking close to even with cartridge changes for a 10g, so cheers! Maybe re-evaluate when you get to the new place.

3. You fall in love with the hobby and decide that not only would you like NOT to chuck/sell your 10g and equipment, but UPGRADE to a larger, more stable tank! At that point, the cost of bottled water (plus gas to fetch it) would quickly become the lesser of the two options.

 

[Crimsontopper]

Since this isn't my first tank (I have taken a break for about 3 years after moving down here), I have an idea of the costs and benefits of owning one. I have also found that I need to have a tank, I miss it too much. I decided to get one a few months ago, ran the numbers on costs just to get going, had sticker shock, and decided to let it sit for a few months. If I was still wanting (obsessing over) a new tank I would get a used one and go at it a budget conscious as possible. In two years I will have a Ph.D. (Lord willing and the creek don't rise) and a significant pay raise allowing me to upgrade once we get somewhere new. At that point I will reevaluate my needs and buy the appropriate equipment. Who knows where the industry will be by then?