RO water preperation

[esmith]

I just set up my RO system finally!
A friend was telling me that to use the water for toping off the tank I need to add some RO prep solution (Kent Marine or something of the like) before putting it into my tank because the RO filtration process strips the water of every trace mineral, which I thought was the purpose of the RO system.

Do I need to add this if I am using it to top off the water in the tank or not; so confusing. :?

Eliyah

 

[Gordo]

I don't. You will replenish your trace minerals with regular water changes.

 

[csleeman]

I have a RO/DI the DI takes out even more and I still don’t add anything to my top off.
I also do weekly water changes and this is where I get back all my trace elements.

I would say if you’re doing frequent water changes there wouldn’t be a need to add anything in your top off.

 

[esmith]

Gordo, csleeman, thanks for your input. I am going to be toping off the water right now.

I thought that I was going to be adding the trace elements with the water changes, but heard otherwise. Glad to know it's one less thing that I need to buy & use.

Eliyah

 

[aquariumdebacle]

You might want to add the osmo-prep by Kent when you do a water change. The buffers and such are mo' betta than the standard you get from salt. It's not something extra that you have to buy it's something you have o keep tabs on anyway. The alkalinity is important to watch. The salt may not have enough to keep up with the demand. Evaporation does not take up ions, so adding Ro water for this is fine. People use this needed addition to add calcium at the same time.