Does it Matter What Water Conditioner I Use???

[TropicalRespect]

I am currently using basic water conditioner for fresh or saltwater in my 3 gallon reef tank. I for some reason feel like it is negativly effecting my corals and water parameters. I was wondering if I should be using a specific saltwater conditioner over a basic all purpose water conditioner?

 

[ErinCahir]

Why do you need to use a water conditioner? Didn't I read in your earlier post you use RODI water?

 

[d2mini]

Don't put chemicals in your tank. Saltwater is very different than fresh. If you are coming from freshwater, you are going to need to break some habits. There is no need for a conditioner, but it is highly advised that you use RO water.

 

[Sir Alex]

If I'm getting my water from a well that has no chlorine or chemicals in it then do I still need to use RO/DI water?

 

[BL1]

If I'm getting my water from a well that has no chlorine or chemicals in it then do I still need to use RO/DI water?

Yes because well water has all sorts of minerals and nutrients that can cause algae outbreaks and have other adverse effects.

 

[Sir Alex]

:grumble::grumble::grumble::grumble::grumble:

 

[Smitty]

+1 everyone...ditch the water conditioner.

 

[d2mini]

:grumble::grumble::grumble::grumble::grumble:

It's really nothing to be grumpy about.
Saltwater is an expensive hobby. A decent RO/DI unit is one of the cheapest and best expenses you'll ever have.

 

[Sir Alex]

How much does one of those cost?

 

[little_fish]

you can get a great one for around $150

 

[Sir Alex]

Any recommendations?

 

[little_fish]

P U R E W A T E R C L U B
The Filter Guys
FilterDirect.com

those guys usually have great product. you want one with at least 4 stages i believe.

 

[Sir Alex]

Like this? Filter Direct Online Store (C)

 

[little_fish]

yep, that should be perfect!

 

[Sir Alex]

It sounds a lot cheaper then buying distilled water for 1 to 2 dollars per gallon.

 

[little_fish]

yes it is, and then you dont have to haul water around which sucks.

 

[TropicalRespect]

thanks!!! i never knew you didnt have to put water conditioner in RO water!
Can the water conditioner hurt corals or other things in a reef tank???

 

[Bifferwine]

The water conditioner won't hurt things, but the water may still have things in it that the water conditioner doesn't remove or neutralize. Those things can hurt corals and fish and lead to algae problems. Water conditioners can make your protein skimmer stop working, however.

 

[d2mini]

Plus the whole reef environment just seems more sensitive than freshwater.
So you really want to try and stay away from these bottled quick fix type additives whenever possible. And one of the golden rules is to never add anything to your tank without testing for it first. Like trace elements. Your LFS may try to sell you a bunch of bottled additives, but most of it you won't need. Ask us first! ;)

 

[TropicalRespect]

good advice........ but what about a beneficial bacteria suppliment help get the tank started?