RO vs Tap

[chasesng]

Im in Stamford CT and had someone tell me recently that RO was not necessary for making their saltwater. Said the water from tap was good enuf to just mix with salt, heat and use.

Anyone in Stamford trying this? Anyone anywhere else who has been so bold?

Thanks

 

[MGR201]

I initially used NYC tap water for my Biocube. However, I have found that I get substantially less algae when I use RO/DI or distilled water. I tested my tap water in August/September and posted the results on this forum:

http://www.manhattanreefs.com/forum/reefs-beginners/83339-testing-manhattan-tap-water-quality.html

Bottom line-- the tap water was high in Phosphates. I would test your Stamford water and see what you get.

 

[ming]

If you do fish only without intense light, that can work. If you do a reef tank, you're asking for algae outbreaks IMO.
If you live in NJ, anywhere near Dom (Diamonds of the reef), I would say you need an RO regardless :lol2: His tap water seems to kill even fish

 

[James]

You would be hard pressed to find a successful long term (2-3 year+) reefer who has had success without RO. There are plenty of tales of new reefers using tap and being fine for a year or 2, until those phosphates build up in their rocks and then they get frustrated and end up leaving the hobby. Anyone who says you can get away with it hasn't been doing it long enough.

 

[jcolon2]

I wouldn't use tap. Plus, tap water contains copper. Copper is to inverts what arsenic is too humans (pure poison)!

 

[InfernoST]

I tried using tap here in Brooklyn and paid the price, with RO/DI you're starting out fresh and adding only the elements the tank needs when you add your salt the other way you're getting everything picked up in the water lines, drain off and what municipality adds which is all bad for the tank. Starting off with RO/DI will give you a big head start towards success.

 

[Jimm0425]

Nyc adds orthopolyphosphate to their water supply for corrosion control. So finding it in the five boroughs is a sure thing

Sent from my DROIDX using Reefs

 

[Jzhou]

I wouldn't use tap. Plus, tap water contains copper. Copper is to inverts what arsenic is too humans (pure poison)!

Can I find out where the copper info came from? This is the first time I've heard about this. And RO is better for reefs because it takes out any excess utrients that might be coming from your tap. At the same time, I know a lot of people who have been able to manage their reefs for over 5 yrs with a tap water filter.

 

[chasesng]

tx all.

figured it was too good to be true. The RO is the one of the worst parts. I hate the 1:4 ratio of usable water to waste. and messing with sinks and plumbing was another unpleasantry.

i think i'll b sticking w freshwater for a while.

 

[itsaNYthing]

The guys from BTJ's jungle told me that they run straight tap water, infact they even had an incident where they accidently left on the tap water into all of there saltwater (including coral) tanks. For 12 hours lol, they proceded to brag how they only lost 1 Damsel. And apparently (this isnt a joke), that dix hills water is so good, that an RO wouldnt make a differnce hahahaha

 

[Nassau]

Just test your tap water, you will buy an RO as soon as you see the results

 

[Imbarrie]

I would never use tap for a few reasons.
I would not want to leave the health of my reef up to a municipality that adds or removes chemicals without my knowledge.
When I use RODI I have a baseline. That is crucial for any troubleshooting. Using tap I would never know what caused any event in my tank. Ever.
Fortunately I have a stable tank and that is because I use RODI. My town has been flushing their lines for the last year.


Sent from my iPhone using Reefs

 

[aagresti]

note that many municipalities now use chloromines along with chlorine to disinfectant their water supplies. while chlorine will disspate simply by letting the water sit this will not work for chloromines. even if your town doesn't use chloromines today that could change. i would invest in an RODI