Whats the best way to convert from Tap water to r/o water??

[Shane and John]

hello everyone....we are having some severe algae problems and based on what We have read its due to using tap water in our tanks....we have a 120 gallon and a 29 gallon bio-cube....What would be the best way for us to convert to a better water...we have only ever used tap water and are Struggling....We have corals,annenomies, and fish in the 120..The fish and annenomies are doing very well..But the corals are just surviving,not thriving...We are running more than 5 watts a gallon of lighting so we are sure it has to be the water...Got a descent skimmer and power heads ,so we have good water movement...Any suggestions would be appreciated!!!

 

[danno14]

Switch to RO/DI water asap for top-off of evaporated water. Start doing regular water changes with the same. Minimize the nutrients you are putting into the system (ie fish food). Take it slow and don't rush.

Depending upon how severe and what type your algae is and your overall husbandry we will be able to give further advise.

Pictures may help to diagnose. Rgds, Dan

 

[mmkeeper]

Buy a ro/di filter or buy ro/di from your lFS. If you get a filter you will need a couple of trash cans like rubbermaid brutes to store the ro/di and mix your saltwater. I have mine in the garage. I found my filter on ebay for around $100 for a 100 gallon per day 5 stage filter.

 

[Shane and John]

Danno14....thanks for your reply..where would you suggest for us to get r/o water?We have cut way back on the ammounts of food ..we feed very small ammounts twice a day.....Parameters are...ammonia=.01..Ph=8.2..Nitrate=12-13mg/l...Measured using the Fastest master kit manufactured by Instant ocean..Salinity maintained @ 1.023......will try to get a few pics asap....btw....thanks again..Maybe this info will help...Oh yeah....we do water changes every other saturday .....20 - 25 %...Maybe this will help Btw...Thanks again.................... Shane n John

 

[burning2nd]

www.thefilterguys.biz

buy a RODI,

 

[danno14]

20-25% water changes are pretty large...and may cause undue stress unless the temp/salinity etc. are matched with the tank. "The filter guys" is a common place that many people use for good RODI filter systems. I don't have personal experience with them but have yet to hear of a single unhappy customer (that says a lot in the online world!).
Sounds like you are on the right path.
Good luck! D

 

[csdoyle]

I picked up a nice and easy to install 5 stage - 100 gpd RO/DI system with a holding tank and a permeate pump from:

Soumi Knight Systems on Ebay

You can browse through what he has available. He was super responsive and willing to help with anything when I purchased and installed the system.

Mine produces great water and even my wife who previously complained about Brita filter water tasting funky enjoys the new RO/DI water.

Best wishes,

Chris

 

[Shane and John]

Great information guys...We are now looking to but and install a R/O system............................Shane n John

 

[burning2nd]

yep yep! this is mine setup from the filter guys.. the rubber maid came from taret, (like 10 bucks if that)

2 heaters, 2 wisper air pumps for the 100g tanks. (the big ones) and one big power head in there for movement,

if you look close, you can see the same, line that goes to my tank.. thats pluged in to a maxi 1200 for the ATO

 

[mmkeeper]

Make sure you get ro/di not just ro. You will get to 0 TDS. My ro that I have for drinking water in my house has TDS of 100 and nitrates of 15. RO/DI for reef TDS 0 nitrate 0

 

[Shane and John]

hey everyone...thanks for all the input....we do appreciate it....Special thank and Big props go to BCT182....He is going out of his way to help us....Wow...do we need it..................LOL..

 

[Reeferdude]

If you're looking for some place local to get some water before you purchase a unit check out Aquarium Paradise in Lakewood 253-584-3474. With your regularly scheduled water changes your tank should be tap water free soon...

 

[Shane and John]

Reeferdude..thanks man...We love that place..We are now looking into what are the Quality ro/di units...should we get 3 stage or 5...We still have many questions..Do they mount up and then constantly run...or do they set up like under a Kitchen sink,with their own faucet and then pump as needed?Seems we still have lots to learn!!!!

 

[Reeferdude]

You're welcome. If Lonzo (the owner) is there tell'm Gene sent you. LOL. Probably won't give you a discount though. LOL You can set'm up either way or with a shut-off float switch from a fresh water supply. Personally I think a 3 stage is more than adequate but some people like the 5.

Forgot to add...You're probably a Rainer View Water Co customers. If so, they don't have the best water around...Just so you know...

 

[Shane and John]

...Yes...after testing out our water..we now realize how Terrible it is..Now we feel so guilty for torturing our poor fish and corals...

 

[delemi]

PS - When I switched to R/O from tap after using it in my tank for about a year and a half (and at the top of a severe cyano bloom), it took about 6 months for the algae to finally appear to be "not apparent".

Needless to say, it will take time

Good luck!