Poll: Are you using RO/DI water?

[Caelan]

Well, I have got the tank functioning and the live rock in order at John's house. All I need to do is mix up the salt water. Here's my questions for you veterans regarding notoriously bad Regina water:

Do you use RO/DI water?
If not, do you use an additive to de-chlorinate it?
What additives are effective, which aren't?
Should I just suck it up and buy the RO water?

Since the tank is empty, I'm just going to mix the water in the tank and sump. In the future, for water changes, how long should I let new salt mix 'age' before I can add it into the system? Should I use a powerhead or an air pump to mix it?

Thanks for the advice and patience.

K

[THEKID]

I use RO/DI water as well. For the first couple of year I used Regina water then I started buying bottled water, which was not cheap (even for a 33gal). About a year ago we bought a RO/DI system off ebay from a company in vancouver. It was very cheap (as RO/DI systems go) but works very well. I would recommend you buy one. Let the salt mix for 3-7 days. I use a power head for my mix tank.

http://stores.ebay.com/The-Aqua-Safe-Pure-Water-Shop_W0QQssPageNameZl2QQtZkm

Jeret

[Rentaltux]

I use RODI and have since the beginning. I would highly recommend it. You will have less algae issues. Once algae takes hold it is hard to get rid of it. As for mixing salt I mix in a RubberMaid with a water pump & airstone overnite then use. I have used it within an hour or two with no ill effects but probably best to let it mix for a day or so.


R

[blenny]

I buy RO water - have some 5 gal bottles and refill them for 2.50 at Lakeshore IGA in my neighbourhood. Now that I have a 90 gal tank, a weekly trip to the store seems necessary just to handle evaporation from tank and sump.

Lots of people seem to just do the tap water thing.

I do have ten or twelve empty 5 gal bottles in case you want to do the refill thing - I was planning on turning in the empty bottles fairly soon, though.

[shawn lipon]

I used to use a rental ro for 3 yrs.I still had algea. Since moving into apartment i use tap water for last 4 yrs.I have ABSOLUTELY no nuisance algea-none havent in 2 yrs mostly due to better skimmers, equipment and more knowledge .Although i would recomend ro/di, and understand the benefits, I myself will continue with tap water for the sake of if it aint broke dont fix it.I use a large 35g pail from cowtown .the freshwater is declorinated etc by using ultimate conditioner i use a 500gph pond pump to mix and aerate.i mix salt then wait at least 24 hrs to add to tank.usually i use the water within 7 days max.There is no magic solution for algea I recomend uv,kalc to rid tank of phoshates,a huge(bigger than tank)sump tht is unlit.Only my opinion cause it works for me.:dance:

[scary gary]

I've use only tap water for my tanks. I use Aqua Plus tap water conditioner. I agree with Shawn and have very few problems with algea. I mix my water in a 45 gal. container with heater and power head. I've used it a soon as overnight but usually let it sit for 2 to 14 days.

[pablo]

I Have a 75 gal/day 4 stage R/o unit.

[orion80]

In the beginning i used tap but at the end of year 1 I converted to a ro/di system fom ebay comp[any is aquasafe, have it set up to run to my sump on a float valve and to a 30g pail with a float valve for change water.

I have noticed a significately less amounts of algae in my tank since the change ovr to ro water.

Adie

[Maverick]

I used strictly tap water for the last year. Huge algae problem . Just invested in a RO/DI unit . Hopefully once I'm done scrubbing the rocks I'll have a handle on it.


I believe Gary has a filter system under his house that he doesn't know about . His tanks looks great.

Brent :pint:

[Invigor]

tap water and no conditioner..I get some brown algae on the glass which is ok because the tangs and koran enjoy eating it...makes the sand brown, but whatever, for the cost it's fine for me. I do however forsee a RO/DI unit some time down the road, but nowhere close to soon. I need a house first

[jasonkozey]

I use RO water, I would strongly recommend if you are buying a unit to buy with with RO/DI since another major concern is the copper. I bought a good one off of ebay a year ago. It was from a company in vancouver. I don't remember exactly what I paid but it was half price from a comparable model here. I used it to battle algae, but its also nice knowing what you are putting into your tank is safe.


Also if anyone needs 5g pails with lids I have a good supplier for them. Can sell cheap

[Bayside Corals]

I have used RO/DI water from the start. I would not use anything else other then steam distilled water. I have a 250 gallon holding tank that I store my RO/DI water in. Also I have never had any type of problem algea in my tank.


Colby
________
BEAUTIFUL WOMEN (http://www.****tube.com/video/9835/cumshot-compilation-of-beautiful-women)

[Caelan]

Based on the fact that most of you are using RO and as I have concerns with copper and other TDS in Regina water, I've decided to buy RO from ExtraFoods since they seem to have the cheapest ROwater. They sell it only at Golden Mile and charge 1.99 per 5g bottle with a $10 deposit on the bottle. If you have your own bottle, obviously you don't have to pay the deposit since the thing is self serve as well as straight bottle exchange. The dispenser is in the northeast corner of the store. I'll just buy 6x bottles each trip in two trips initially, and get others as needed for water change and topoffs. A lot of hassle, but worth it, I think. Opinions, as always welcome.

http://www.crystalclearwater.ca/:fish2:

[blenny]

Darn fine tip! I can save 50 cents a bottle and visit you and Farmer John at the same time!

[Invigor]

Based on the fact that most of you are using RO and as I have concerns with copper and other TDS in Regina water, I've decided to buy RO from ExtraFoods since they seem to have the cheapest ROwater. They sell it only at Golden Mile and charge 1.99 per 5g bottle with a $10 deposit on the bottle. If you have your own bottle, obviously you don't have to pay the deposit since the thing is self serve as well as straight bottle exchange. The dispenser is in the northeast corner of the store. I'll just buy 6x bottles each trip in two trips initially, and get others as needed for water change and topoffs. A lot of hassle, but worth it, I think. Opinions, as always welcome.

http://www.crystalclearwater.ca/:fish2:

the machine's acutually in the south west corner and it's 1.95 for an 11L bottle, They never have the 18L jugs when I'm there, but I think they're 2.45 or something close.:poke:

[jasonkozey]

The RO/DI unit on ebay from vancouver is like only 100 bucks, why not just buy that, you'll make your money back in a year plus its way more conveinienthttp://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=20684&item=4372270903&rd=1#ebayphotohosting

[blenny]

Jason, on the link you submitted - the company says they ship in the U.S. only - is that the right link?

[Invigor]

there's a company in vancouver that supplies a few thousand people with ro units. aquasafe.ca i think