floridian reefer Posted July 8, 2010 Share Posted July 8, 2010 just wonder opinions on using tap water for top off or mixing up salt water. im under the impression that if you do your basically just asking for algae and invert problems? Link to comment
Dizzle21 Posted July 8, 2010 Share Posted July 8, 2010 dont use the tap water! thank me later Link to comment
LostinWater Posted July 8, 2010 Share Posted July 8, 2010 NEVER use tap water for topping off or for your salt mixing. You'll have continued trouble and fighting an up hill battle. Just use RO/DI and you'll be fine. If you don't have the equipment for that, go to your lfs or local water supplier and one of those should have it. Should be pretty cheap too. Link to comment
Spicer Posted July 8, 2010 Share Posted July 8, 2010 Really depends on the tank... I use tap water on my 30, and my 12 atm. No algae issues here. Skimmer on both. Link to comment
floridian reefer Posted July 8, 2010 Author Share Posted July 8, 2010 $1 gallon for salt $.50 gallon fresh thats what i have been doing, just read a couple people do without problems, just wanted to get some opinions. besides arent they putting fluoride into the water? Link to comment
19jeffro83 Posted July 8, 2010 Share Posted July 8, 2010 Don't do it. Also maybe start searching these threads. I learned a ton before I ever even purchased my tank. Good luck and be patient. It'll save you lots of money and headaches and keep you interested in the hobby. Instead of frustrated. Link to comment
Spicer Posted July 8, 2010 Share Posted July 8, 2010 $1 gallon for salt $.50 gallon fresh thats what i have been doing, just read a couple people do without problems, just wanted to get some opinions. besides arent they putting fluoride into the water? Yes, I am dechlorinating the water ofc. Also airaiting it while I mix. The skimmer goes wild for about an hour, then its all good. Link to comment
Dizzle21 Posted July 8, 2010 Share Posted July 8, 2010 still wouldnt use tap water.... Link to comment
jcosmai5 Posted July 8, 2010 Share Posted July 8, 2010 Honestly tap water isn't as harmful as everyone says. Just test your tap water for nitrates and phosphates before use and if theirs none then you should be good. However use a skimmer and use macro algae if you use tap and you must do weekly water changes. The key to algae free tanks is to not over feed, vacuum the sand and do weekly maintenance and water changes and you'll be fine. Link to comment
Meengineer0128 Posted July 8, 2010 Share Posted July 8, 2010 $1 gallon for salt $.50 gallon fresh thats what i have been doing, just read a couple people do without problems, just wanted to get some opinions. besides arent they putting fluoride into the water? You should be topping off with fresh. I only top off with salt if I WANT my sg to raise. In order to maintain a steady SG you need to use RO/DI. If you use tap, there are conditioners out there, but they will only take care of every chem. but phosphates. If you use a phosphate reducer/remover then use tap water at your own risk. Link to comment
19jeffro83 Posted July 8, 2010 Share Posted July 8, 2010 What about copper contamination, tds, and microbes that are in mot tap water. If you can't afford a few bucks for water. Your in the wrong hobby. Link to comment
Spicer Posted July 8, 2010 Share Posted July 8, 2010 What about copper contamination, tds, and microbes that are in mot tap water. If you can't afford a few bucks for water. Your in the wrong hobby. Its not about the money, its about convenience. I use phosban, and activated carbon... my water has been tested for copper, and my inverts are fine... Corals are happy as can be! And Im algae free! Link to comment
Dizzle21 Posted July 8, 2010 Share Posted July 8, 2010 also you tds in your tap water changes through out the year. Link to comment
floridian reefer Posted July 8, 2010 Author Share Posted July 8, 2010 ive been thinking about getting an RO unit and making a "water station" in my shed out out 55 gallon Rubbermaid trash cans, yes with lids. would the florida heat mess with the water in any way? salt or fresh. Its not about the money, its about convenience. I use phosban, and activated carbon... my water has been tested for copper, and my inverts are fine... Corals are happy as can be! And Im algae free! where do you live also you tds in your tap water changes through out the year. how so Link to comment
19jeffro83 Posted July 8, 2010 Share Posted July 8, 2010 Not worth the risk to me I love my tank and all inhabitants. Wouldn't want that to affect my tank even if it's two or three years down the road. But you can do what you'd like it's your tank. Just don't put tap water in mine. Link to comment
floridian reefer Posted July 8, 2010 Author Share Posted July 8, 2010 Not worth the risk to me I love my tank and all inhabitants. Wouldn't want that to affect my tank even if it's two or three years down the road. But you can do what you'd like it's your tank. Just don't put tap water in mine. lol i hear ya Link to comment
Meengineer0128 Posted July 8, 2010 Share Posted July 8, 2010 What about copper contamination, tds, and microbes that are in mot tap water. If you can't afford a few bucks for water. Your in the wrong hobby. I don't know where you live man, but there is no copper in my water. Unless you live in a house built before 1970, you don't have to worry about copper in the water. As far as TDS and microbes go, this is what you have to worry about!!!! You will not be able to eliminate all TDS or microbes with conditioners. Don't dish on him man, he is just trying to find a economical way to solve a problem. Nothing wrong with asking. Link to comment
19jeffro83 Posted July 8, 2010 Share Posted July 8, 2010 Not sure about the heat good Q. Was wondering myself. I'd like to set one up in my garage. It's hot as he'll in there rite now. Link to comment
MikeTR Posted July 8, 2010 Share Posted July 8, 2010 tap.. i don't even drink it unfiltered.. god forbid there's a water main break..who knows what got in it. Link to comment
Meengineer0128 Posted July 8, 2010 Share Posted July 8, 2010 ive been thinking about getting an RO unit and making a "water station" in my shed out out 55 gallon Awesome idea!!!!!! Link to comment
19jeffro83 Posted July 8, 2010 Share Posted July 8, 2010 Dude your pipes are made of copper. Unless it's less than ten or fifteen years old. Pex is a new product that still uses brass fittings. Smarty pants. Link to comment
Meengineer0128 Posted July 8, 2010 Share Posted July 8, 2010 "Opinions are like #######s, everybody has one" Hhahahahahha And if #######s were airplanes, this place would be an airport Link to comment
19jeffro83 Posted July 8, 2010 Share Posted July 8, 2010 It's just as bad as dropping a penie in your tank if the water is running threw it. Love it meengineer lol. Nanoreef airport what's the abbreviation for that and how many terminals? Link to comment
Meengineer0128 Posted July 8, 2010 Share Posted July 8, 2010 Dude your pipes are made of copper. Unless it's less than ten or fifteen years old. Pex is a new product that still uses brass fittings. Smarty pants. Maybe out there in Jersey where the air is toxic, but not here in Chicago. The pipes that come from the main are Industial PVC and don't switch to galvanized stainless steel until they get to the faucets. The actual mains are made of Cast Iron. Link to comment
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