tap water

[Thomas]

Absolutely, Russ is a GREAT help and he will explain exactly why you need it and won't sell you anything you don't need. Also he will explain how the systems work.
We don't want to discourage you at all. We want to help you avoid making COSTLY mistakes. A lot of us, myself included,have had enough disasters to go around. Go slow and do it right. Pay particular attention to what inhabitants you want in you tank as well. Lost of fish and inverts and corals are not compatible. The LFS's will sell you anything you want and even talk you into thing's that you shouldn't have.
Just after Christmas I bought a Purple Flowerpot Coral not realizing it was a Goniopora Coral. Probably the most difficult coral to keep in captivity. Well I screwed up and now I need to try and take care of it. So far it's doing well but If I wouldn't have bought on impulse and done my research like I normally do I would not have bought this particular coral or the Tube worm Anemone I bought that I was told was a tube worm. We must remember that the mistakes we make effect the life of our reef critters. Don't get discouraged.

[olsaltybastard]

Just to make sure that the terminology is understood, you want RO/DI water, not just RO (which is widely available.) The De-ionizing filter is the final stage of filtration after reverse osmosis and what you want to be using.


A very useful tool to have is a TDS meter. I have the fifty dollar one, but the twenty dollar one should suit your needs. This tool measures the amount of dissolved solids in the water and allows you to determine the status of your RO filter and DI cartridge.

It sounds like I am trying to sell you on a bunch of equipment that is unnecessary, but I'm not. There is nothing wrong with reefing on a budget. Just keep in mind that this budget has to involve some sort of commitment to the basics. This is not a cheap hobby; you need to have a deep understanding of this.

Kind of like buying a dog; a person goes out and gets a dog, a water bowl, food bowl, and a leash. Later on, the owner finds out that dogs need to be vaccinated, licensed, fed, trained, groomed, exercised, etc... AND, they live for many years!!

We are just trying to give you a much better understanding of the proper equipment needed which can increase your chances of success by leaps and bounds.

[aimeereefer]

So, you will all be happy to know that I just filled my tank. I went out and bought nice water. I honestly can not afford a RO unit right now, but the water is a minimal expense. Thanks for everyones input on this process. Monday I should be getting the rest of my equipment and then its on the live rock and live sand. Its kinda sick how excited a person can get just over having rocks in a tank of water.

[Thomas]

So what equipment is coming Monday? Isn't it wonderful how motherly we all are? Starting a new tank is always exciting.

[aimeereefer]

all kinds of stuff, my skimmer, its a rio nano, my light is a 4 x 24 t5 with night lights, and a few other choice pieces. ya know the little stuff

[Thomas]

check out this link on the skimmer Rio Nano Skimmer - Rio Nano Skimmer - Canreef Aquatics Bulletin Board - 71k

If you have problems with this unit, I would recommend the Aqua C Remora Nano skimmer.

[Patrick™]

There is a difference between a budget reef aquarium and one that just does not make the cut.

[aimeereefer]

Indeed it would seem that way. I have gotten some quality water though, and I suspect the money I saved on the RO/DI unit will be truly helpful in the weeks of cycling to come. Thanks again to all.

[ChuckG]

Glad to hear that you purchased quality water although I'm unsure of exactly what that was. Did you buy RO/DI water from a pet store? I hope you understand that buying the water isn't a one time expense as well. You will need to change a percentage of the water on a regular (weekly) basis after your cycle is complete so quality water is a never ending expense with this hobby. This is why in the long run it would pay to have your own filtering unit.

Congrats on your new set up.

[aimeereefer]

thanks Chuck, I know this conversation may have gone on for a while about something silly, but I do have a good understanding of my potential expenses, this is really what has prompted the conversation. And....as a side note, upon investigation of my possible places to buy water I went with Whole Foods Market. IDK if you are familiar, but they are an organic foods store and they provide a great deal of info about their water filtering system. The water I bought was RO/DI water, and their machine is regularly tested by the company for its purity. The machine itself actually had a log in which I noticed he had last checked on Jan 6th. I'd have to say to someone in my position, I don't think there is a better place to buy RO/DI water other than your buddies house. The water I bought was 39 cents a gallon compared to my LFS at 70.

Werda-yomutha