Dipping SPS and live rock, can I use tap water to mix salt?

[ug.mac]

I'm treating my tank due to minor AEFW issue, my RODI unit doesn't offer much output for me to have enough water to refill the tank and prep for dipping.

 

My tap water have low TDS, so can I just use tap water to mix salt? I will be doing KCL and Revive in two seperate bucks for 30 min each. One hour in 'dirty' but freshly made water, is that going to cause any issue?

 

Thanks

 

ug.

[CronicReefer]

The reason to not use tap water is because it contains extra trace elements that will throw off the balance in the salt mix. Distilled water is a much better option and can be bought for $0.50-1.00 per gallon.

[ug.mac]

Thanks for the reply. I understand the risk, that's why I will be refilling the tank with RODI. I just tested tap water and 7 TDS is what I get, so I think I will give this a try, dipping in KCL and Revive is going to be a lot more harsh than the difference RODI makes.

[mattyfelts]

the only problem is there are elements undetected by tds. What if there is a minute amount of copper in it? i wouldnt risk it.

[Deleted User 8]

Thanks for the reply. I understand the risk, that's why I will be refilling the tank with RODI. I just tested tap water and 7 TDS is what I get, so I think I will give this a try, dipping in KCL and Revive is going to be a lot more harsh than the difference RODI makes.

 

You say you understand the risk, yet post asking if it is OK. You get some No answers and it sounds like you discount them and are going to use tap anyway.

 

Seems like you just wanted someone to say it will be OK rather than to tell you the truth.

 

You might be OK, but why take the risks and why bother with asking for advice when you just discount it?

 

Buzz

[Red_Blenny]

I think you're better off using tank water for dipping, rather than using freshly mixed water for dipping corals.... You can take some of the tank water for dipping and do a water change at the same time plus the parameters for freshly mixed SW can shock your corals.

 

Plus, if your water is treated with chloramines, it'll be converted into ammonia and dipping your SPS pieces in ammonia mixed water isn't a good idea.

[DriftingNemo]

You say you understand the risk, yet post asking if it is OK. You get some No answers and it sounds like you discount them and are going to use tap anyway.

 

Seems like you just wanted someone to say it will be OK rather than to tell you the truth.

 

You might be OK, but why take the risks and why bother with asking for advice when you just discount it?

 

Buzz

 

I don't really understand why you have to be so blunt to this person...

 

ug.mac, if you can use your unit then do so. If it's really low on performance then you can buy a booster pump if you have the funds to do so. I have an RO unit which I am unable to use, luckily my city water is quite good. Buzz is right, you shouldn't risk it. I only risk it because I really don't have much of an option when it comes to getting RO/DI water. I know it's bad to use tap water, but my goals in a reef are different to other people's. If your RO/DI unit works, then you might aswell just wait a while and not have to risk any future problems.

[ug.mac]

My RODI is soooooooo slooooooooowwww. LOL I'm sure I'm not the only one.

 

I think this is what I'm going to do, LPS in tap mix, most SPS in aged tank water except 2 the same acropora frags I will dip in each and monitor them. Regardless, it's still AEFW I'm dealing with, my friends are telling me it just matter of time I will have to start over again. I will see what happens.

[Red_Blenny]

I'm not sure if you can get it over in Vancover but the best way I've dealt with AEFW is using a pesticide that is available in the 'States called Bayer Insecticide as a dip. It's harmless to corals but kills off any critters on the acros (but not eggs)