do i need r/o water when cycling

bill_e · #1 02-18-2009, 05:54 AM

hope this isint to stupid of a question ? this is my "first" saltwater tank of soon to be many.i have looked all through this site, but cant seem to find anything on this subject.thanks in advance

GreenSpottedPuffer · #2 02-18-2009, 05:58 AM

If you are going to use it in the future, then I would use it right away. Although when I have set up FOWLR tanks in the past, I have never had problems using Vancouver tap water since the TDS is so low to begin with. Just make sure you use a good dechlorinizer like Prime. And mix the water a day in advance. Tap water is really not a big deal for FOWLR tanks IME as long as you get rid of the chlorine and heavy metals...

bill_e · #3 02-18-2009, 02:57 PM

thanks ..

Myka · #4 02-18-2009, 03:14 PM

I agree with GSP, but only for FOWLR tanks. Reef tanks are a different story.

bill_e · #5 02-18-2009, 03:19 PM

yeah i plan on sticking with fowlr for awhile .probably wont switch over to reef untill "i" think i no every thing to no about fowlr..

GreenSpottedPuffer · #6 02-18-2009, 07:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bill_e

yeah i plan on sticking with fowlr for awhile .probably wont switch over to reef untill "i" think i no every thing to no about fowlr..

Then you may want to go with RO/DI. If you use tapwater for long enough, phosphates are going to build up inside the LR...again, not a big deal for a FOWLR but you won't want that if you are switching the tank to a reef. Just something to consider.

digital-audiophile · #7 02-18-2009, 07:49 PM

I would avoid the phosphate build up from the start even in a FOWLR. Over time you will just end up fighting algae issues with tap water, no matter how good the TDS may seem, 0 is the target.

bill_e · #8 02-18-2009, 08:16 PM

hey gsp do you no where i can get a cheap r/o unit from ??cheap as possible.

Madreefer · #9 02-18-2009, 08:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bill_e

hey gsp do you no where i can get a cheap r/o unit from ??cheap as possible.

If your looking to save money than buy a used one. You'll regret it if you buy cheap. With RO's you really do get what you pay for. When you switch over to a reef tank you'll be glad you got a good one. You just need RO and no DI. For the meantime just but RO water from Save-On or Canadian Springs $2/5Gallons. I bought my RO unit from Aquatic Addictions in Abbotsford

Myka · #10 02-18-2009, 11:21 PM

Personally I think you can cheap ou on RO/DIs...it's all the same cartridges, it's just the build quality that is different. Check out ebay and www.bulkreefsupply.com You can always add the DI chamber later on if you want to deflect some cost for now.