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Author Topic: Saltwater basics - RO water? really?  (Read 201 times)

Offline PaulMartin61

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Saltwater basics - RO water? really?
« on: January 18, 2015, 02:36:09 pm »
My son has scored a Craigslist catch. 
A 90 gallon tank and stand for $50.   Tank is about 6 years old and was built using black silicone.


We understand the mixing of saltwater, and the 'live sand', but RO water feels like an overkill.  Perhaps if we were keeping corals and other live sensitive marine invertebrates I would be more understanding.  When I was a young boy, our favorite Chinese restaurant had a saltwater tank on display, surely they weren't using RO water in the early '60 now were they?


DI water should be plenty pure enough for a saltwater fish only tank, right?  I mean, everywhere we look (locally) and read online, advice is to use RO water.


Would love to hear your thoughts, and perhaps suggestions on what makes a good RO unit.
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Offline mrk13p

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Re: Saltwater basics - RO water? really?
« Reply #1 on: January 18, 2015, 11:13:10 pm »
if a FOWLR system, you really dont need an RO unit, but it may be optimal if your water is not the greatest out of the tap. Like you said, for corals it is a must. IMO, if you have the money , get it. The phosphates and nitrates that it will remove can help drastically with the growth of nuisance algaes. Also, protein skimmers dont like some water conditioners. For RO units being had under $200, it would be wise to use one. Especialy since it would really only be used for top offs and monthly water changes.
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Offline GaryJewett

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Re: Saltwater basics - RO water? really?
« Reply #2 on: January 19, 2015, 07:13:57 am »
I had a salt water tank back in the 80's before RO units were big. I had well water and mixed it with Instant Ocean salt mix and my tank was fine, anemonies, clown fish and damsels. I only used hang on the back filters also. Just got tired of the mess, so I used the left over salt mix in my mbuna tank
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Offline PaulMartin61

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Re: Saltwater basics - RO water? really?
« Reply #3 on: January 20, 2015, 05:24:45 pm »
Thanks guys for the input.


Definitely going the FOWLR route, with an Emperor 400 (less the bio wheels) and perhaps a circulating pump to give a bit more water flow.


I'll have to pickup a TDS meter to be sure, however what would you suggest to be the max (out of the tap) TDS before going RO?   I know at just less than $1/gallon DI water from Walmart it would be a bit costly to go entirely DI water.  My thoughts were perhaps 1/2 and 1/2 assuming my tap TDS is in a acceptable range.


Again, thanks for your help.


Paul
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