I have recently been struggling with some diatoms that seem to come back and come back. I have done a bit of research and learned that silicate in the water cause the diatoms. I went today to have my LFS RO/DI water tested at a local water equipment supplier.
The water tested at 85 TDS.
Needless to say, I won't be going back there to get water. However, I live in Alaska, RO water is readily available, but not DI.
When TDS is tested, could that number contain phosphates as well? That would explain why my Hanna kits read so high, even though my bioload is 2 fish and some cleaning crew, and I do not feed heavy. With that question, can I use just simple RO water? It's my understanding that it's 95%-98% pure simply with that. Is DI necessary? I live in an apartment, faucets are weird they are not your standard connections to use something like an RO Buddy, and it's Alaska, it's not like a hose outlet is ready available in October. Lol.
The water tested at 85 TDS.
Needless to say, I won't be going back there to get water. However, I live in Alaska, RO water is readily available, but not DI.
When TDS is tested, could that number contain phosphates as well? That would explain why my Hanna kits read so high, even though my bioload is 2 fish and some cleaning crew, and I do not feed heavy. With that question, can I use just simple RO water? It's my understanding that it's 95%-98% pure simply with that. Is DI necessary? I live in an apartment, faucets are weird they are not your standard connections to use something like an RO Buddy, and it's Alaska, it's not like a hose outlet is ready available in October. Lol.