RO/DI filter....really????
 

I am trying to decide whether to buy an RO/DI filter before I do my first fill. Is this really necessary? I live in Calgary (but have just moved here from out east, so not sure what the water's like -- anyone know if it's safe to use Calgary tapwater in tanks?!). I wouldn't have dared to do that back in Toronto :) .

Also, anyone know where I could by a decent RO/DI in person, rather than mail order? I want to fill the tank this weekend, since I won't have much time for the next weeks to go much further. (Yes, I know this hobby is all about patience..... ;) ).

I've used Calgary Tapwater for a year and a half without too many issues.
Depending on where you are in the city your water can either be from the Bow River or the Glenmore Reservoir. My water is from the bow. The TDS sits around 140 typically.
I've had success with simple SPS (birdsnest, monti caps, monti's, etc) I've also lost a fair number of more decicate SPS.
I cant tell you if this is the source water driven or Nitrate driven.
My LPS/Softy tank has been fine on tap water, no crazy growth, but no algae issues either.

Red Coral has locally sourced 4 stage RO/DI units for $200.
Ocean city carries the same thing at the same price.
Golds costs a fair bit more from what I remember.

Thanks! Is water from the Glenmore clearer? I think that's where mine comes from. Golds is my main source for stuff, and yes, their filters are pricier. Everything else is very reasonable though.

I think mine is from Glenmore res and out of the tap TDS is around 240ppm, I've opted out for using bottled as I only do 4 gallon water changes.

Colin

I dont know if the reservior water is cleaner or not. I'd assume the opposite. Yes rain fall is rather clean, but then it lands on every pesticide covered lawn, bituman based road, industrial park in SW Calgary and then flows into the reservior at that point.

Drink up!

I get my water at safeway, from the culligan machine. I had much more success with Filter water over tap water. Of course I have also learned tons more since the days of using tap water. :)

Wow, glad I asked....I assumed reservoir water would be cleaner for some reason. I think an RO/DI purchase is in my immediate future.....

Also....what is ppm, and what is TDS, and what are the optimal readings I should be aiming for?

TDS = Total Disolved Solids
PPM = Parts Per million

ideal number is 0

http://nihalwater.com/FAQ_clip_image002_0000.jpg

I'm a big fan of an RO unit not only for the tank but for your family, I have a Kinetico VX system running for the tank and the Kinetico K5 for drinking water.

It might sound snobbish but I can't drink tap water now, It just tastes to funny after having water that is completely filtered. If you get the chance to go to a Kinetico retailer they will let you have a side by side taste comparison of both waters, this was the selling point for me.