RO Water vs Tap Water (Edmonton)

[RGS88]

Hello all

I am new to canreef, and will be new to marine/reef. I've had freshwater tropical/cichlid tanks of various shapes and sizes for the past 40 years. I've always wanted to set up a marine/reef tank. So after months of reading books, research, asking questions of local marine shops... I think I'm ready to make the big jump and set up my first reef tank.

As my first tank, I've chosen an AIO (all-in-one)... the Red Sea Max 250. I thought this was a good starter tank size... not too small, and not overly big. I know some users may say that the Red Sea Max 250 is not a true marine/reef tank or is a piece of junk or has cheap parts... etc. etc., but after much research, I'm convinced it's a good starter tank and a good way to get my feet wet in reef tanks because everything that I need is in one unit, so I don't have to start sourcing out separate parts like tanks, skimmers, heaters, pumps, etc.

Anyway, I'm curious about water for the new tank. I'm getting conflicting messages both on the internet, and by talking to local marine shops about RO water (reverse osmosis) vs conditioned tap water.

There are camps that say not to waste time/money and effort on an RO system, and just use conditioned tap water. For example some marine shops say that they use only conditioned tap water in their tanks. Then there are those that say to only use RO water, and never ever use tap water... either for the initial tank filling, or topping off the water.

So of course I'm confused. I'm from Edmonton and am curious if our tap water in specific, or tap water in general is a big no no for marine reef tanks, and that it absolutely has to be only RO water... or is RO water a waste of time/effort and money?

Your thoughts...

[Nano]

Originally Posted by RGS88

Hello all

I am new to canreef, and will be new to marine/reef. I've had freshwater tropical/cichlid tanks of various shapes and sizes for the past 40 years. I've always wanted to set up a marine/reef tank. So after months of reading books, research, asking questions of local marine shops... I think I'm ready to make the big jump and set up my first reef tank.

As my first tank, I've chosen an AIO (all-in-one)... the Red Sea Max 250. I thought this was a good starter tank size... not too small, and not overly big. I know some users may say that the Red Sea Max 250 is not a true marine/reef tank or is a piece of junk or has cheap parts... etc. etc., but after much research, I'm convinced it's a good starter tank and a good way to get my feet wet in reef tanks because everything that I need is in one unit, so I don't have to start sourcing out separate parts like tanks, skimmers, heaters, pumps, etc.

Anyway, I'm curious about water for the new tank. I'm getting conflicting messages both on the internet, and by talking to local marine shops about RO water (reverse osmosis) vs conditioned tap water.

There are camps that say not to waste time/money and effort on an RO system, and just use conditioned tap water. For example some marine shops say that they use only conditioned tap water in their tanks. Then there are those that say to only use RO water, and never ever use tap water... either for the initial tank filling, or topping off the water.

So of course I'm confused. I'm from Edmonton and am curious if our tap water in specific, or tap water in general is a big no no for marine reef tanks, and that it absolutely has to be only RO water... or is RO water a waste of time/effort and money?

Your thoughts...

I think redsea makes a great "plug and play" kit with a little diy modifications they can be outstanding. the 250 is a nice size too, As for water I would test your water first. sometimes you can get away with it

[Snufflupagus]

I agree, test your water first and you could get away with it. I personally was using conditioned tap water in my first tank and things were ok, not perfect, but it worked fine. I've since moved to a RODI system in my new tank and life is much easier, I don't really have to worry about the water going into my tank. My opinion would be to go with the RODI system, your stress level alone is worth it.

[reefwars]

ro is def not a waste of time and money basically your goal in setting up a marine enviroment is water quality, the better the water the healthier your system can get to.ro water is great for those new to the hobby and for those wanting a low nutrient system.if your new then go with an ro unit it will help take some of the frustrations out of the hobby, if you must use tap water be sure to use prime when mixing new salt batches and top off water
welcome to te hobby any questions just shoot

[Nano]

Originally Posted by reefwars

if you must use tap water be sure to use prime when mixing new salt batches and top off water
welcome to te hobby any questions just shoot

I use prime in my tap water and my parameters are great, not perfect but darn close, I do use a tap filter to for heavy particles, but theres obviously as said still trace nutrients and elements in the water, ro di is nice, but its realy your call in the end, you can also use bottled water the distilled kind with no added nutrients, for usually 30-50 cents per gallon

[mike31154]

Your city should have water reports available on line. These will list all the good & nasty stuff in there & at what levels. Obviously it is drinkable, but when running a marine system, especially if you're looking at getting some corals & invertebrates such as anemones, RODI is definitely a worthwhile investment. I ran my tank for a couple of years with treated tap water before switching to RODI water. There's no doubt in my mind my tank is looking better every year since using pure water for changes, top up etc. Tap water here in Vernon runs upwards of 210 TDS. That's a lot of extra stuff, mostly not needed or beneficial, going into the tank, live rock, sand, livestock etc.

Being able to produce my own pure water has other benefits. I use RO water for coffee, tea, some cooking, wine making, beer making, mixing with gatorade for sports and so on. My daughter & partner also take advantage & I supply them with a jug full every so often. A month or so ago we were on a boil water notice, but since I had the RO system, I was able to get drinkable water through it without having to boil. Whenever I'm in the store now & watch folks buying cases of water in plastic bottles, I just smile and am thankful I invested a couple hundred bucks in a RODI system 3 years ago. It's more than paid for itself.

[MKLKT]

I looked at the acceptable amounts of trace elements for the local water here and the problem was that the amounts are enough that if in your tank would/could be a problem. Like nitrates are allowed up to 40ppm, etc. I only have a deionizer but it's nice being able to know which compounds are in your water, as I only do water changes every 4-6 months and it's about 30% max. When I do my parameters check it's exactly what I expect it to be because I know how much dosing I've done with pure water as a base.

[phyto4life]

I use nothing but tap water @ 170 ppm


difenately if you can afford rodi go with it, as using tap water is imo more for someone that can identify problems and solve them fast. There is no room for error using tap water and 1 extra fish or coral that requires feeding/poo's can throw things out of whack in a hurry. Not to mention the fish's growth etc

[Bryan]

Originally Posted by phyto4life

I use nothing but tap water @ 170 ppm


difenately if you can afford rodi go with it, as using tap water is imo more for someone that can identify problems and solve them fast. There is no room for error using tap water and 1 extra fish or coral that requires feeding/poo's can throw things out of whack in a hurry. Not to mention the fish's growth etc

Wouldn't even consider it in a reef tank, trace elements like copper from your house pipes will slowly build up in the tank and eventually absorbed in the live rock poisoning your invertebrates etc..

My local water (GVRD) is around 12-15 ppm and I use strictly DI

[SpruceGruve]

Originally Posted by Bryan

Wouldn't even consider it in a reef tank, trace elements like copper from your house pipes will slowly build up in the tank and eventually absorbed in the live rock poisoning your invertebrates etc..

My local water (GVRD) is around 12-15 ppm and I use strictly DI

this makes complete sense.

also i live by edmonton.
im not a salt guy,im a freshwater guy, and even with freshwater i need to use RO water to get certain fish to spawn.
not to mention you live in edmonton, your water is 7.8 and HARD.
some fish just wont do well in our city water