do i need r/o water when cycling

GreenSpottedPuffer · #1 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 · #2 02-18-2009, 02:57 PM

thanks ..

Myka · #3 02-18-2009, 03:14 PM

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

bill_e · #4 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 · #5 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 · #6 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 · #7 02-18-2009, 08:16 PM

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