To use RO DI water

[Duncs]

Hi, this is my first question I have as I am about to start setting up my marine tank. I'm having a bit of a disagreement with the wife as she claims that the marine tank we had about 15 years ago that we just used tap water and used the conditioner to remove the nasties. After doing some research it looks like using RO DI is a given.

 

[JumpingFlea]

It depends on what you plan to keep coral and fish wise. Some corals and fish are really sensitive to some metals.

 

[dphan2007]

It depends on what you plan to keep coral and fish wise. Some corals and fish are really sensitive to some metals.

i agree with his comment.

 

[Uncle99]

A given if your going to keep corals.
RODI takes everything out of the source water and you put others back to mimic sea water.
Tap water is great in some areas, not so good in others.
Fish only system, maybe I’d use tap, but water is the single most important component and what’s in it (or not) is paramount, IMM, to success.
Zero TDS…..always to start…..start right….end right.

 

[Jekyl]

Hi, this is my first question I have as I am about to start setting up my marine tank. I'm having a bit of a disagreement with the wife as she claims that the marine tank we had about 15 years ago that we just used tap water and used the conditioner to remove the nasties. After doing some research it looks like using RO DI is a given.

I wouldn't bother having a tank without rodi. With how much emphasis there is on water chemistry you'd be starting with an up hill battle.

 

[CanuckReefer]

Maybe you are lucky and your tap is really soft, low TDS... I wouldn't chance it off the top however. As others mentioned start off with a clean blank slate. RODI.

 

[jsker]

Yes on the RODI system, better to be safe then sorry. With having contaminates in the water. Depending on were you water source is from? You will have less algae also with a RODI system also.

 

[landlubber]

one local reefer in our club has been anti-rodi for the past 5 years i've been a part of the group. despite our fairly clean tap water she has killed more fish and coral than 10 RODI using reefers combined and can only keep leathers and mushrooms now.

 

[brmreefer]

RODI. Not a fan of unintentionally introducing unwanted elements and/or compounds into my reef. Plus, zero TDS water helps in pinpointing a problem because at least one knows it's not the source water.

 

[Mxracer65]

I have never used tap or rodi. I have always used ro from local store. I have mixed reef tank, softies lps and sps. Tank is 10+ years old.

 

[Jekyl]

I have never used tap or rodi. I have always used ro from local store. I have mixed reef tank, softies lps and sps. Tank is 10+ years old.

Didn't this cost more and offer less in the long run?

 

[Jedi1199]

I successfully kept FOWLR tank back in the 90's in San Jose, using tap water that one could generously refer to as "Chemical soup". This water was barely fit for human consumption to be honest. The fish never seemed to mind. HOWEVER, once I tried to add inverts, BTA, and a couple zoa frags, death within a couple days was the result.

You may get away with it where you live, but I would advise against it if you plan on any corals or nems. An RODI setup is relatively inexpensive and well worth the cost for peace of mind.

 

[Midrats]

Plus it leaves no minerals behind when I throw it on the hot rocks in my Finnish sauna. Pure loyly!

 

[CrimsonTide]

Ok soooo..... here's the question do you want corals? If you want corals RODI is almost a must to be able to grow everything correctly. You might get to grow a few things that won't die but in general everything will be so off and wacky it won't grow or survive.

If you are not going to go with corals and just a FOWLR tank or just fish with plastic SpongeBob decorations then you can use Tap water. Bjt if you tap water is really hard and has lots of TDS in it you would be doing your fish a favor by giving them RODI. Depending on how big your tank is you might not need a big RODI filter and the cost won't be to bad

Also if you get an RODI filter you don't ever have to buy declorinator again! It does that for you. Congrats.

 

[Mxracer65]

Didn't this cost more and offer less in the long run?

It costs me 1.30 for 5 gallons. I don't do water changes just top off.
That being said I did recently order an rodi with tds that will be here tomorrow.

 

[SydneyRose]

In my opinion, an RODI system is a small investment (when compared to the whole system) for the long term health of a tank. It’s also convenient to have it ready whenever you need it.