New to Calgary

[Chedi]

Being new to Calgary and this board I just wanted to say hello and that I look forward to some great advice from all you experienced reefers out there- I moved from Vancouver about a year a gao where I had a FOWLR set -up and have finally gotten around to setting up my tank again :D I'm about 6 weeks into my first reef and will undoubtedly have a multitude of questions as I go.

To start off with- I was wondering how many of you in Calgary us an RO unit- I'm unfamiliar with the characteristics of our water here. Secondly- I've done the tour of the LFS and have read a few threads on the subject from this board but was wondering if you guys could share with me some of your experiences- good and bad with our LFS- who's has the best quality livestock, and who ships from the phillipines, etc..

Thanks in advance,
Chris

[Bob I]

Welcome to the Board, and the Calgary Reffing Club. To answer your question about RO/DI. To be fair a few reefers here use them. The vast majority including the LFS with the best corals do NOT. Calgary has excellent water for reef purposes with lots of naturally occurring Calcium Carbonate. I would not use RO if you gave me a unit. Now you have heard from a Non RO person. You will probably soon hear a totally different opinion. The choice is always yours.
As far as LFS's go, if you want quality corals and are willing to pay through the nose, Wai's would be your choice. Some like Pisces, a lot of us are becoming fond of Gold's. There is always Big Al's, but do not take the mention of the shop as a recommendation. :multi:

[spikehs]

I use a 2-stage bare bones ones, not really sure if it makes all that much difference, but it sure cant hurt! welcome to calgary.

[EmilyB]

Hi Chris,

Welcome to Calgary !

Likely the tapwater here will work if you like algae, and get the macroalgaes in place as a nutrient control. This can probably work for low bioloads.

We keep a higher bioload in most of our tanks and use RO/DI and top quality skimming to keep nuisance algae away, and nutrients under control. This is to allow us to keep a higher fish load, while maintaining the water quality required for coral as well.

As you can see, it is not quite that black and white, depending on what you plan for your tank.

I have done a lot of MO because I am not always comfortable with what is available here. Your location in the city will probably determine where you buy dry goods etc.

[Canadian Man]

Welcome to Calgary Chris 8)

I agree with EmilyB 100%. I have also mailordered most of my stuff with some fish and corals purchased locally. Most though have been through mailorder or other wonderful reefers tanks throughout Calgary. There is always frags to trade or purchase from most. The one thing I do not like about using tap water is the seasonal fluctuations that can change your tank. Many in Edmonton at the current time are suffering from an algae outbreak(tap water users of course :wink: ). This outbreak has to do with the diffrent "things" showing up in the tap water because of all the moisture lately along with many other variables.

Anyway I use RO/DI and have for about 1.5 years and started my first .5 year in this hobby with tap water.

Cheers

[Chedi]

Thanks for the replys- I definately appreciate it. I always find it interesting to see how different people have success using different methods.

Bob- I was wondering, is the naturally high level of Calcium Carbonate in the tap water the only reason you choose not to use an RO unit? Do you find that you don't have to dose calcium heavily on a regular basis?

On that note- what additives does everyone choose to use given your knowledge of our water chemistry?I have alot to learn in general, but even more so in this area given that I've only kept fish only systems in which additives such as calcium aren't an issue.

As for the LFS- thanks for the tips- I live in Kensington so I've spent most of my time at Wai's. I was originally looking for an aquaspace light and that was where I was able to find one.Definately pricey though :shock: Danny seems like a decent guy, though a little anxious to sell me livestock for a new tank- I suppose that's any LFS though.

Emily B, Jonathan- do you MO through JL in Vancouver? I got a lot of my livestock from them when I lived out there. All in all I found them to be a good LFS, but I have to admit that I feel a little uneasy buying livestock site unseen and then asking it to fly to Calgary.Am I just being paranoid?It sounds like you guys have had success.

Thanks,
Chris

[EmilyB]

I've never had anything but a hugely positive experience ordering from J&L. :)

[Canadian Man]

I've never had anything but a hugely positive experience ordering from J&L. :)
Mee too.

You might be able to keep up the demands of calcium and alk in a reef tank with tap water, but it depends largley on the type of corals you keep.
Softies, fine calcium from tap water may suffice but many stonies and you have to add calcium/alk some how and more than tap water will add.
I use only a calcium reactor on my system and that's all the additives I use.

[MitchM]

Welcome Chris!

Mitch :)

[Bob I]

[quote]Bob- I was wondering, is the naturally high level of Calcium Carbonate in the tap water the only reason you choose not to use an RO unit? Do you find that you don't have to dose calcium heavily on a regular basis?

I have very few stony corals, and I like Coraline Algae, which is something I don't see much of in the RO tanks. The worry about other algaes appears to be unfounded.
The question as always is this; I have loads of Coraline, I have no algae problems, everything I choose to keep in my aquaria does extremely well, so why would I monkey with success :?: :?:

As far as I am concerned the RO/DI proponents can do their thing, but if someone asks if it is necessary to use RO, I say NO. After that the person asking is on their own to do what they wish to do. I just never question success. :agrue:

And as a last bit of advice. You will find a few people on this board to be completely anal about their RO/DI water. These people do not accept the possibilty they may correct for their own situation, but not necessarily correct for all situations. My advice is that you should not be swayed by the vocal few. Look at all the evidence, and make your own decision. :smilecol:

[kari]

RO/DI - yes. Sorry Bob, but I'm on the other side. I also agree that Calgary has good water for reef purposes yet agree with Canadian Man about fluctuations. Our water source is affected by seasonal runnoff. One can taste a difference in a glass of tap water as the seasons change. I haven't spend the effort to prove it though. (might even be some cow droppings
:crazyeye:
I prefer to have some control.

I heard there will be pre-cured Fiji rock at Gold available this Friday. Probably good bang for the buck.

kari

[kari]

I just watched the opening scene to I Spy where the deer was taking a leak in the river up stream from the spring water bottling plant. This scene was very well done.

kari

[Bob I]

I heard there will be pre-cured Figi rock at Gold available this Friday. Probably good bang for the buck.

kari

As I said before "each to their own choice" just don't be anal. You look at the evidence, then you make a choice. You are neither a better person for it, or worse :wink:

The place where the rock comes from is FIJI. How is that for anal. :silly:

[Chedi]

Thanks again for the discussion- I always find these sorts of debates interesting.
As for the RO unit, I'm still undecided. Thinking I might let the tank mature some what before I decide if I need one or not. For the price tag this seems like a tough call.

Jonathan, you mentioned that you didn't use RO for the first .5 year- what differences if any did you notice in the tank when you started using one?

Bob- I know that Danny at Wai's agrees with you on this- he has told me he doesn't use RO water either.

Thanks again- after this first thread I am confident that this board will be a great place to get some good advice- I know I'm going to need it.

Chris :D

[Bob I]

Bob- I know that Danny at Wai's agrees with you on this- he has told me he doesn't use RO water either.

And arguably the best corals. I have asked, and Ocean, Pisces, and Gold do not use RO/DI either. That is all just for information. :wink:

[TANGOMAN]

Welcome to the jungle... :confused:
Danny and Bob agree on anything...? :eek:

[Bob I]

Welcome to the jungle... :confused:
Danny and Bob agree on anything...? :eek:

How nice to see your unique sense of humour back. :drinking:

[Canadian Man]

Thanks again for the discussion- I always find these sorts of debates interesting.
As for the RO unit, I'm still undecided. Thinking I might let the tank mature some what before I decide if I need one or not. For the price tag this seems like a tough call.

Jonathan, you mentioned that you didn't use RO for the first .5 year- what differences if any did you notice in the tank when you started using one?

Bob- I know that Danny at Wai's agrees with you on this- he has told me he doesn't use RO water either.

Thanks again- after this first thread I am confident that this board will be a great place to get some good advice- I know I'm going to need it.

Chris :D

Well Maybe the stores don't use RO/DI because of the cost they would have to deal with to make the good water, as well as the time? :rolleyes: I think this may have something to do with the stores opinion.
Chris I noticed no diffrence between the first .5 years and the last 1.5 years. Now with that being said I also don't have the corals that I did back then as well :confused: So I believe the tap water issue to be an issue when you are using tap water for a long time, don't do many waterchanges. As well if you are keeping easier/less sensitive corals then I think it may not matter as much as if your keeping more sensitive corals.

Just an idea for you. Contact the water treatment facitility in Calgary and ask them to fax a discription sheet of what's in calgary's water at the current time. It's about 3 pages long and contains many things that will shock you :eek: Heck I don't even drink our tap water :lol:

[AJ_77]

Hi Chris, welcome to the nuttiest chapter on Canreef... myself included, I guess. :razz: I'm sure you'll what you're looking for here.

Regarding the current debate, I have yet to buy into the RO/DI camp (BUY INTO being the operative phrase). Not only is it expensive for the filtering unit, but David Suzuki will have us all flogged in the village square for wasting 4 gallons of precious fresh water for every 1 that we produce for our extravagant and environmentally disastrous hobby. :eek:

If there is a way to limit our "footprint" on nature, we should look into it. If we can save some money, so much the better, but good luck. There are many successful reef tanks run on many different methods. We all adapt one that fits our own requirements and consciences.

I've taken a slower route into this hobby, partly because of my own early challenges with a larger system (tank, sump, etc) and partly due to the litany of disaster-posts that I read from many enthusiastic reef keepers who learned largely by trial and error. For example:

http://www.canreef.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=2510

My advice would be to visit as many people as will have you, and see which tanks and setups seem to fit what you want to do for yourself. I wish I had done more of that, instead of deciding then jumping...

It is often a very different thing, what you think you might want versus what you really have the patience and money and time for...

[Bob I]

Well Maybe the stores don't use RO/DI because of the cost they would have to deal with to make the good water, as well as the time? :rolleyes: I think this may have something to do with the stores opinion.
Chris I noticed no diffrence between the first .5 years and the last 1.5 years. Now with that being said I also don't have the corals that I did back then as well

The interesting thing here is that Wai's has nicer corals than you and I put together.

As to sensitive corals. I have one piece of Acropora I got from Tony. It has doubled in size. Why heck for a long time it had no purple tips. Well lo and behold it now has purple tips and under PC lighting too. Aside from that the only stony corals I have are some Digitata, and Candycane. They too are doing well. I think I might have to get a lawnmower to control the Tubipora musica. Well actually everything else I have grows well.

But that is it for me, I will argue no more. I agree more and more with what Alan so eloquently said. :agrue:

[TANGOMAN]

With fear of yet another computer meltdown I won't attempt to transfer a quote. I'll do it the old fashioned way...repeat it.
"But that is it for me. I will argue no more..." Where's Bob and what have ya' done with him ? :lol:

[Bob I]

Well I have made my point, and everyone knows my feelings on the subject. In addition I will not change, so there is no need to dwell on things.
BTW, how are things going your way?

[monza]

Hi Chris

I'm new to this forum, but have been reefing for a while. I recently just installed a RO/DI unit on to my system. I like toys, tech and hardware. I also thought with the investment into my tanks, it can't hurt. Still to early to tell if it makes any differance. I have my RO/DI unit hooked up so I can drink the RO water. I never thought Calgary water tasted bad but, wow it sure tastes better now coming through the RO unit. I think I saw the fish smile with the new water!

Good Luck!

Dave

For what it is worth I like Daniel at Wai's, it is the only local place I shop anymore. Sure he is a bit pricey but fair, of course he tries to sell you stuff it's his job and half the fun of shopping there.

[monza]

WOW did i really reply to a two year old post. Now I feel like the dumb new guy.

Dave

[monza]

feeling dumber now, not a two year old post, it was the date the last 'poster' joined, I'll shut up now

new guy
dave :redface:

[EmilyB]

http://www.crazypics.de/smilies/frech053.gif

Welcome ! :mrgreen:

[Delphinus]

Hey Welcome to posting, Monza!!! :lol: (Thanks for the giggle, BTW... )

cheers

[Buccaneer]

Welcome to the Board, and the Calgary Reffing Club.


What are we reffing this week Bob ? :eek: :rolleyes: :mrgreen: