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.