Going to be starting my saltwater tank next week, and im curious to find out where you get your water from to start the tank? I dont want to do tap cause i dont feel like filtering it and curing it, so i'm thinking about just buying 20 gallons of distilled water from the super market, you guys think this will be alright? Im curious to know what you guys personally use...
Water
- Thread starter jivephish
- Start date
bobby
I like to do bad things.
You should never use tap water for your tank it carries to many contaminates. I use RO water but the di water you get from walmart for about .65 will work fine. Walmart also has a ro machine were water is 33 cents here but you need to bring youe own containers. Most LFS's carry Ro water to.
yote
In Memoriam
I been using the RO water out of the machine at wal-mart.Used destilled too,but I think the water out of the machine is a little bit better(cheaper)
reeffreak
Reef pro
The supermarket is fine and Wally world too.I personally buy my saltwater made up already from the LFS.$1.00 a gal for salt and .65 for freshwater.
RigoSharon
LIVING REEFS INTERN
well ,,i declorinate my tap water...and use coralife salt mix..no probs so far..
Bifferwine
I am a girl
I also buy my water pre-made from the LFS. 75 cents per gallon for salt and 25 cents per gallon for fresh I think. I come home and do water changes right away, it's nice to have the water already at the correct salinity, pH and temperature.
HAWKS12thMAN
NWKRC THUG!
Im with Biff. I buy my water premixed from my LFS. 5 gallons for 3 bucks for salt 5 gallons of fresh for a dollar. I have the stuff to do it mysel but its not cost effective. I bought a half dozen of really nice 5 gallon containers for 8 bucks a piece.... worth every penny.
SSalty
Team Liquid Force
For those who are buying RO water, I would think about investing in an RO unit. It will be more cost effective in the long run. Between water changes and top-off, buying the water will add up.
bobby
I like to do bad things.
You are very right, however for me its not that bad right now. I'm starting school and pet co is very close also I get about a 30 min break between my classes and the ro there is .08 a gal so buying it for me is about the same as having a RO unit when you count in the cost of replacing filter membrains, however, if the cost goes up then it would be worth it for me to invest in a unit. Untill then I'm good. LOL
Oh and there RO is good I have been using it for a few months now and no probs.
Oh and there RO is good I have been using it for a few months now and no probs.
NewbReefer
Reefing newb
not to mention the gas you may have to spend to get to and from where you buy your RO water. having the filter unit in your home is well worth the investment.
you got it good bobby! .08 a gallon?! my lfs sells it for .68 a gallon and i gotta drive 15 min for it. thats alot of gas money once it adds up
you got it good bobby! .08 a gallon?! my lfs sells it for .68 a gallon and i gotta drive 15 min for it. thats alot of gas money once it adds up
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bobby
I like to do bad things.
Yea its good for the time being. Petco is about 10min or less from the college, and as long as it stays at .08 which it has for atleat 4 months now maybe longer I'm ok. But if anyone has to drive or pay alot per gal then I would deffenatly buy one.
HAWKS12thMAN
NWKRC THUG!
I didnt know petco sold RO. Sweet theres one like 2 miles from here. But do you trust them to keep up on there RO system maintence. Youve seen there saltwater tank.
DavidA717
Soon to be Reef Expert
i just went 50/50 with my roomie on an RO unit. hope it works out
bobby
I like to do bad things.
I trust this petco because I hav'nt had a prob, but i would test theres first to make sure.
bobby
I like to do bad things.
My petco doesnt advertise it I had to ask. There tank might be bad just due to poor husbandry.
Sounds good dave glad you got good water and hope the tank gos good for you.
Sounds good dave glad you got good water and hope the tank gos good for you.
reeffreak
Reef pro
Salty,Newb...I'm lazy.I don't make special trips to LFS for water and when I do go,I buy enough water for 3 months worth of waterchanges and evaporations.I made my water before...salt mixes are just inconsistent(i.e. calcium,etc).The store I buy it from adjust everything perfectly,PH,AK,Calcium,SG exactly where it should be.I been using it for too long and with great results.
SSalty
Team Liquid Force
For those of you who buy R.O, do you have access to a TDS meter?
I would be interested to see what the store water reads.
One more thing, R.O water shouldn't be set around for long periods of time, it can grow bacteria easy.
R.O systems are not that expensive concidering it is one of the most important parts to a marine aquarium.
Kent Marine Deluxe Hi-S 24 GPD RO System - Marine Depot - Marine and Reef Aquarium Super Store
I would be interested to see what the store water reads.
One more thing, R.O water shouldn't be set around for long periods of time, it can grow bacteria easy.
R.O systems are not that expensive concidering it is one of the most important parts to a marine aquarium.
Kent Marine Deluxe Hi-S 24 GPD RO System - Marine Depot - Marine and Reef Aquarium Super Store
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bobby
I like to do bad things.
Your right there not that bad airwaterice.com also has a good deal but try telling my wife there not that high.LOL
reeffreak
Reef pro
:twocents:
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fishbait
I found Nemo
wow! thanks for that link bobby. they do have great prices
