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DIR Return to: Salt Water Fish
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#Post#: 2011--------------------------------------------------
Saltwater basics - RO water? really?
By: PaulMartin61 Date: January 18, 2015, 2:36 pm
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My son has scored a Craigslist catch.
A 90 gallon tank and stand for $50. Tank is about 6 years old
and was built using black silicone.
We understand the mixing of saltwater, and the 'live sand', but
RO water feels like an overkill. Perhaps if we were keeping
corals and other live sensitive marine invertebrates I would be
more understanding. When I was a young boy, our favorite
Chinese restaurant had a saltwater tank on display, surely they
weren't using RO water in the early '60 now were they?
DI water should be plenty pure enough for a saltwater fish only
tank, right? I mean, everywhere we look (locally) and read
online, advice is to use RO water.
Would love to hear your thoughts, and perhaps suggestions on
what makes a good RO unit.
#Post#: 2012--------------------------------------------------
Re: Saltwater basics - RO water? really?
By: mrk13p Date: January 18, 2015, 11:13 pm
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if a FOWLR system, you really dont need an RO unit, but it may
be optimal if your water is not the greatest out of the tap.
Like you said, for corals it is a must. IMO, if you have the
money , get it. The phosphates and nitrates that it will remove
can help drastically with the growth of nuisance algaes. Also,
protein skimmers dont like some water conditioners. For RO units
being had under $200, it would be wise to use one. Especialy
since it would really only be used for top offs and monthly
water changes.
#Post#: 2013--------------------------------------------------
Re: Saltwater basics - RO water? really?
By: GaryJewett Date: January 19, 2015, 7:13 am
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I had a salt water tank back in the 80's before RO units were
big. I had well water and mixed it with Instant Ocean salt mix
and my tank was fine, anemonies, clown fish and damsels. I only
used hang on the back filters also. Just got tired of the mess,
so I used the left over salt mix in my mbuna tank
#Post#: 2014--------------------------------------------------
Re: Saltwater basics - RO water? really?
By: PaulMartin61 Date: January 20, 2015, 5:24 pm
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Thanks guys for the input.
Definitely going the FOWLR route, with an Emperor 400 (less the
bio wheels) and perhaps a circulating pump to give a bit more
water flow.
I'll have to pickup a TDS meter to be sure, however what would
you suggest to be the max (out of the tap) TDS before going RO?
I know at just less than $1/gallon DI water from Walmart it
would be a bit costly to go entirely DI water. My thoughts were
perhaps 1/2 and 1/2 assuming my tap TDS is in a acceptable
range.
Again, thanks for your help.
Paul
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