Buying Salt Water from LFS

[thatmanMIKEson]

Our local store offers pre-mixed salt water for $1 a gallon (and RO water for $0.50). Given that I am running a 10 gallon nano here, I think it might be a good idea to buy the salt water from them instead of mixing it myself. I use distilled water for top offs.

Seems like the large volume of water they have should make it more consistent, which is key. Any reason why I should not buy pre-mixed water from the store?

Others may say something different and I haven't read the whole post yet but let me tell you my whole life changed with making my own water honestly it seems overwhelming at first and maybe expensive, but it is the best way to go and overall less expensive when you factor in water quality and the salt mix plus your time to get it haul it home, you can make a mobil 5 gallon water changing kit on wheels and store it in a closet. You can make quality water on demand. I make 5 gallons in 26 minutes, the filters last forever if you do more searching and put the possibility of making your own water in your options you may change your life too! Thats my thoughts on yours

 

[I’m Batman]

whole life changed with making my own water

Sounds like RO/DI system won’t work for him with low water pressure.
Mix your own. Walmart purple cap is fine, alsways tested 0 TDS for me, Never had a problem. If you’re worried about contaminants use prime or Amquel plus maybe?

if you’re looking for consistency, trust no one but yourself when mixing water.

 

[thatmanMIKEson]

I've heard using distilled water ( store bought) isn't the best idea because its condensed mainly off copper coils which ultimately can have traces of copper which can effect inverts, corals etc over time.. Definitely just go for the RODI.

Yes yes do not use any water from stores sold on a shelf your asking for trouble they store millions of gallons im sure stuff goes places in big facilities they don't mean to. Save your self some pain and make your own like a pro

 

[Mike konesky]

It appears that copper coils are a thing of the past for distilled water. I'd still use rodi personally. Nothing like having 100% confidence in your source water.

 

[Reef.]

This tank is run on Walmart distilled water I believe it is.

AIO Build - tehSAC's NUVO 10

All I do is take top down shots....

www.reef2reef.com

 

[thatmanMIKEson]

Of course there's always one offs in this hobby but if you want the vast majority results, do what the majority do to get their results. That guy could do a million other things or just one this guy doesn't then the Walmart water doesn't work for him...right make water do a few things you can control to make your system as stable as possible..

 

[Reef.]

Of course there's always one offs in this hobby but if you want the vast majority results, do what the majority do to get their results. That guy could do a million other things or just one this guy doesn't then the Walmart water doesn't work for him...right make water do a few things you can control to make your system as stable as possible..

I agree make your own water if possible but distilled water is perfectly fine to use, it’s just a different way to purify the water, if the OP is considering buying water, why not suggest an alternative to the LFS, instead of just saying buy a rodi unit.

 

[thatmanMIKEson]

I agree make your own water if possible but distilled water is perfectly fine to use, it’s just a different way to purify the water, if the OP is considering buying water, why not suggest an alternative to the LFS, instead of just saying buy a rodi unit.

I do not recommend distilled water from the store no, I'd recommend going to a quality lfs because they should be processing their water to a standard for our hobby, sorry I'd buy from quality lfs first then I guess the r.o water mills that sell water by the gallon, then maybe store shelf water but all way, way behind a cheap r.o unit and a booster pump save up buy a unit do it right no regrets!(Rember this is just my opinion)

 

[N.Sreefer]

Imo for all we know the di could contaminate the water and years down the road we'll all be using distilled. Seems like science has a long way to go before perfecting coral aquaculture. If they aren't using copper coils anymore whats wrong with distilled?

 

[HKmongoose77]

I agree with everyone on checking your lfs salt water quality. I’ve been to some lfs where the salt levels were really low.

 

[Mike konesky]

Imo for all we know the di could contaminate the water and years down the road we'll all be using distilled. Seems like science has a long way to go before perfecting coral aquaculture. If they aren't using copper coils anymore whats wrong with distilled?

Nothing. Just a matter of trusting a big box store to provide a pure product consistently.

 

[Reef.]

Nothing. Just a matter of trusting a big box store to provide a pure product consistently.

as apposed to a busy LFS that has someone making water in the back room whilst trying to serve customers, remembering to change the filters regularly, flush the system etc etc

We just had someone on the forum the other day asking was it ok to buy used tank water from their LFS as the store was offering it to them for $200!!

A food shop has way more regulations to follow than a LFS.

 

[iMi]

Others may say something different and I haven't read the whole post yet but let me tell you my whole life changed with making my own water honestly it seems overwhelming at first and maybe expensive, but it is the best way to go and overall less expensive when you factor in water quality and the salt mix plus your time to get it haul it home, you can make a mobil 5 gallon water changing kit on wheels and store it in a closet. You can make quality water on demand. I make 5 gallons in 26 minutes, the filters last forever if you do more searching and put the possibility of making your own water in your options you may change your life too! Thats my thoughts on yours

Already sold. Ordered an RO/DI unit and plan on making my own.

 

[DE FISH]

I’d get a ro filter to mix your salt yourself most Lfs water sucks and is not 0 TDS

 

[thatmanMIKEson]

Already sold. Ordered an RO/DI unit and plan on making my own.

What system did you get, there's a few ways to tweek your system for optimal performance and filter longevity. I have a tds meter before my d.i and it determines how long I flush the r.o membrane. so research research, and diy good move on getting the system!