TDS at 140 out of tap

jwshowski · 01/26/2010, 11:50 AM

Would it be ok to start a new tank with my tap water being at 140tds? I will purchase a ro/di unit in the near future but don't have the funds now. Anyone use tap anymore? I used ro in my old tank but we sold the house along with the filter. This is for a 90 display, 55 sump, and 30 führer so I really don't want to haul that much water from the lfs.

julie180 · 01/26/2010, 11:55 AM

http://reefcentral.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=414

There are several reefers in you area that I'm sure would help you out with RODI.

You will be much happier and have less problems if you start out right.

Julie

drparker · 01/26/2010, 11:57 AM

Hard to say since TDS just tells something is dissolved in the water but does not tell us what. It will probably be fine for the initial fill. I would buy RO/DI from the LFS from then on for your water changes. It will have chlorine in some form for sure, so make sure to take your time, let it aerate for a few days before adding any live sand or Live rock.

Chiefsurfer · 01/26/2010, 12:05 PM

It's kinda up to you, BUT if you get bad things in the tank along with the tap, like silicates, copper, etc. It might be very hard to get rid of the elements themselves, or whatever comes from them. Honestly, you can get a pretty nice set-up from bulkreefsupply for $150. I'd just save up til you have the money, and wait. Always something more I am sure you can learn in the mean time.

stubby 58 · 01/26/2010, 01:06 PM

I only wish mine was 140 . My tap is anywhere between 700-800 run two DI cartridges and still have to change out more than I would like . But here is where I chose to live .

stubby

Chiefsurfer · 01/26/2010, 01:28 PM

I have 117, which I have heard is pretty good. If yours is over 500, call your local EPA, there are regulations that it MUST be under 500ppm. Unless it is like 480 99% of the time, but during rain it jumps, then there may be allowances.

LifeAquatic · 01/26/2010, 01:32 PM

I wouldnt use tap water to start a tank. Your already going to have enough algee issues. See if you can get some ro/di water from the local fish store. I filled up the entire bed of my ford ranger bringing home water for my 180 gal fill. If you absolutley have to use tap water keep the lights off for the first 1-2 weeks.

Sisterlimonpot · 01/26/2010, 01:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chiefsurfer

It's kinda up to you, BUT if you get bad things in the tank along with the tap, like silicates, copper, etc. It might be very hard to get rid of the elements themselves, or whatever comes from them. Honestly, you can get a pretty nice set-up from bulkreefsupply for $150. I'd just save up til you have the money, and wait. Always something more I am sure you can learn in the mean time.

+1
I started a tank with tap water and had the hardest time keeping algae at bay for the first 3 months and then I started a tank with RO/DI and all I had was short spurts of diatom blloms that went away in no time. If you want my opinion, find someone that will give you some RO/DI water to start your fill.

I know it's probably not the answer you are looking for and you're going to do what you want, but IMO this is the foundation af starting off right with your tank.

BTW if you get a stand up guy to give you RODI water he should only charge about $.10 a gallon. (that's less than $20 to fill your tank and start off right)

Fizz71 · 01/26/2010, 02:04 PM

I personally wouldn't do it. A tank is a long term project, I would start it right. Heck....I was nervous rinsing my tank and sand with tap before I filled it the first time.

thegrun · 01/26/2010, 02:51 PM

No is the simple answer. I know you don't want to hear this, but this is an expensive hobby, and whatever you think a tank will cost you should be multiplied by 4. It will be better to wait until you can afford a RO/DI unit or purchase distilled water rather than start off with problems that could take several months (and additional money) to correct. Fighting algae is a PITA, it frustrates many new tank owners to the point that they give up the hobby altogether. Take your time and do it right.

greggnyce · 01/26/2010, 02:56 PM

Find a local reef club. I am sure someone will help you with water.

lordofthereef · 01/26/2010, 02:57 PM

I wouldn't do it myself. Frankly you have no idea what is in there. Even if your tap had 5 TDS out, you wouldn't know.

Madratter · 01/26/2010, 05:58 PM

Many municipalities add phosphates to the water in order to help prevent pipe corrosion. Phosphates = Algae growth problems.

01/26/2010, 11:50 AM	#1
jwshowski Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Lake St. Louis, MO Posts: 101	TDS at 140 out of tap Would it be ok to start a new tank with my tap water being at 140tds? I will purchase a ro/di unit in the near future but don't have the funds now. Anyone use tap anymore? I used ro in my old tank but we sold the house along with the filter. This is for a 90 display, 55 sump, and 30 führer so I really don't want to haul that much water from the lfs.

01/26/2010, 12:05 PM	#4
Chiefsurfer Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Seaside Park, NJ Posts: 2,138	It's kinda up to you, BUT if you get bad things in the tank along with the tap, like silicates, copper, etc. It might be very hard to get rid of the elements themselves, or whatever comes from them. Honestly, you can get a pretty nice set-up from bulkreefsupply for $150. I'd just save up til you have the money, and wait. Always something more I am sure you can learn in the mean time. __________________ Chief Current Tank: 20 Gallon tall, 4-bulb t5 HO, Eshopps psk75H, ac-70 fuge. So far, green clown goby, striped goby, more gorillas than I wish I had, 5 SPS frags, 3 LPS Frags, 1 Softee, Turkey Wing Clam. Plan for the future: 120 gallon 4ft glass tank. Current Tank Info: 20 gallon tall Reef Tank

01/26/2010, 01:28 PM	#6
Chiefsurfer Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Seaside Park, NJ Posts: 2,138	I have 117, which I have heard is pretty good. If yours is over 500, call your local EPA, there are regulations that it MUST be under 500ppm. Unless it is like 480 99% of the time, but during rain it jumps, then there may be allowances. __________________ Chief Current Tank: 20 Gallon tall, 4-bulb t5 HO, Eshopps psk75H, ac-70 fuge. So far, green clown goby, striped goby, more gorillas than I wish I had, 5 SPS frags, 3 LPS Frags, 1 Softee, Turkey Wing Clam. Plan for the future: 120 gallon 4ft glass tank. Current Tank Info: 20 gallon tall Reef Tank

01/26/2010, 02:56 PM	#11
greggnyce Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Bellport, New York Posts: 1,782	Find a local reef club. I am sure someone will help you with water. __________________ What you talkin about Mrs Lime. Current Tank Info: 120 gl oceanic tech, 30 gallon fuge, 40 gallon sump, Itech 200 skimmer, LED Lighting . Mixed reef.

01/26/2010, 02:57 PM	#12
lordofthereef One reef to rule them all Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Leominster, MA Posts: 5,299	I wouldn't do it myself. Frankly you have no idea what is in there. Even if your tap had 5 TDS out, you wouldn't know. __________________ "A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than you love yourself" ~ Josh Billings Visit My Home page for current build thread (click my user name and select "Visit LordoftheReef's Homepage" in the drop down menu!

01/26/2010, 11:55 AM	#2
julie180 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Raymore, MO Posts: 2,556	http://reefcentral.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=414 There are several reefers in you area that I'm sure would help you out with RODI. You will be much happier and have less problems if you start out right. Julie

01/26/2010, 11:57 AM	#3
drparker Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Palatine, IL Posts: 2,652	Hard to say since TDS just tells something is dissolved in the water but does not tell us what. It will probably be fine for the initial fill. I would buy RO/DI from the LFS from then on for your water changes. It will have chlorine in some form for sure, so make sure to take your time, let it aerate for a few days before adding any live sand or Live rock.

01/26/2010, 01:06 PM	#5
stubby 58 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Ama TX Posts: 217	I only wish mine was 140 . My tap is anywhere between 700-800 run two DI cartridges and still have to change out more than I would like . But here is where I chose to live . stubby

01/26/2010, 01:32 PM	#7
LifeAquatic Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Posts: 922	I wouldnt use tap water to start a tank. Your already going to have enough algee issues. See if you can get some ro/di water from the local fish store. I filled up the entire bed of my ford ranger bringing home water for my 180 gal fill. If you absolutley have to use tap water keep the lights off for the first 1-2 weeks.

01/26/2010, 02:04 PM	#9
Fizz71 FragSwapper Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: West Lawn, PA Posts: 5,800	I personally wouldn't do it. A tank is a long term project, I would start it right. Heck....I was nervous rinsing my tank and sand with tap before I filled it the first time.

01/26/2010, 02:51 PM	#10
thegrun Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Garden Grove, Ca Posts: 17,023	No is the simple answer. I know you don't want to hear this, but this is an expensive hobby, and whatever you think a tank will cost you should be multiplied by 4. It will be better to wait until you can afford a RO/DI unit or purchase distilled water rather than start off with problems that could take several months (and additional money) to correct. Fighting algae is a PITA, it frustrates many new tank owners to the point that they give up the hobby altogether. Take your time and do it right.

01/26/2010, 05:58 PM	#13
Madratter Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 223	Many municipalities add phosphates to the water in order to help prevent pipe corrosion. Phosphates = Algae growth problems.