Substitute to RO/DI Water - Page 2

Samcorp · 05/12/2009, 08:02 PM

Well, RO water isn't the best for you. Because theres pretty much nothing in it, it will deplete the nutrients in your body instead.. haha osmosis.

Anyways, I'm not looking to drink RO water. I want to get a 3 stage plus a dionization stage, the economical one seems fine. But what does a base of 2 mean?

Thanks,

Sam

Samcorp · 05/12/2009, 09:07 PM

Hey guys, could I use tap water with seachem Prime for just FOWLR aquarium (with anemone)?

I called a person today who is expierenced in fish keeping. He told me if I wanted coral/reef I would need metal halide lights, which can run me another 500$ plus another 20$ atleast in the electric bill.
This really made me decide to quit on reef. However, I do still want to start a FOWLR tank.

Can I just use tap water without a RO/DI unit?

Toddrtrex · 05/12/2009, 09:09 PM

What anemone? Most hosting anemones are going to require the same amount of lights as "corals" And I know that I wouldn't personally use tap water with an anemone.

Samcorp · 05/12/2009, 09:13 PM

Will any aquarium even look nice with only FOWLR?

I cannot afford these lights, as they are WAY above what I can pay for. They cost more than my whole tank set up.
Is there any alternative for hosting anemone.. what type of lights are cheaper/more energy effecient (.. not metal halides in other words)?

Samcorp · 05/12/2009, 09:14 PM

Also, in response to R/O water for anemone:

"n the study, the anemones of the hobbyists who used tap water (as opposed to RO or highly purified water) fared much better. The reason may be the higher trace minerals (which anemones require) contained in tap water. The anemones in nutrient rich water fared better than in nutrient poor water. Since protein skimmers remove nutrients, their use may not be advised."
http://saltaquarium.about.com/od/sea...lownfish_2.htm

woot! No Ro/Di for me!!

Toddrtrex · 05/12/2009, 09:16 PM

Sure, there are plenty of nice looking FOWLR.

You may want to look into T5's, they might be cheaper then metal halides.

However, IMO, water isn't an area to skimp on. It is the base of your whole tank, and so many issues can be fixed by starting off with quality water.

Samcorp · 05/12/2009, 09:21 PM

So is this article inaccurate to you?
I personally do not know what I should do. Also, how much cheaper is T5 lighting? (money wise) for a 90 gallon tank?

If I decide to go with tap water plus seachem prime, would I be okay just putting fish, live rock, and live sand in it? Without anemone/corals of course?

And if I decide to do anemone, I read that if your lighting is inadequate you need to feed it more. Could I feed it krill/etc and let my clownfish help feed it a better diet?

Toddrtrex · 05/12/2009, 09:28 PM

You posted that article as I was posting, so I missed it.

From the part that you quoted, I disagree completely with it. My oldest anemone is 9+ years old, and it has spent its time in 0 TDS RO/DI water, and the tanks that it has been in have always had a protein skimmer, and low nutrient water.

I disagree that if you have insufficient lighting, that you can just feed the anemone more, that is just asking for trouble. If you are going to keep one, should give it the best conditions possible.

You have to think if you want a FOWLR tank for long term, or just as a stop gap before going to a full reef --- wouldn't want you to have to by lights and equipment twice.

Samcorp · 05/12/2009, 09:28 PM

Note: Todd, in my first question (so is this article inaccurate to you?) I realize that it sounded a bit offensive. I mean this in a non-offensive way, I am just wondering.

Toddrtrex · 05/12/2009, 09:29 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Samcorp
Note: Todd, in my first question (so is this article inaccurate to you?) I realize that it sounded a bit offensive. I mean this in a non-offensive way, I am just wondering.

Didn't find your question offensive at all, but thanks.

Samcorp · 05/12/2009, 09:31 PM

Well, i'm not sure if i can afford a full reef. This is too hard for me to think about:

I need a protein skimmer ( I would prefer used for most equipment),
sand (half live/half base)
live rock (half live/half base.. possibly)
tubing accessories for restarting the sump (it was drilled and the tubing seems really dirty)
these are the main supplies.. i'm currently at a 300$ budget for these.

I have 2 mag drive 7 pumps, plus (i posted my picture in my other thread of my tank: http://reefcentral.com/forums/showth...6#post14999446)
I have a HOB filter which I probably won't even bother looking at, like 3 powerheads probably (275 gph I think each)

I may think about buying just 1 MAIN powerhead to save time.
The tank also comes with 2 heaters (wrapped in foam, 150 watts each) which I may put in the sump, 1 in the sump, 1 in the tank.

So if someone could help me form a estimated cost, that would be great.
I browse craigslist daily.

Samcorp · 05/12/2009, 09:50 PM

Hey guys, about the lighting, is this lighting alone acceptable?
http://www.marineandreef.com/Aqualig...p/res53008.htm
Also, I have this "coral light (it has i think 2 fluorescent light bulbs)" that came with my tank. Should I use them with these 2 fluorescent lights that I may buy?

YE||0W TA|\|G · 05/12/2009, 11:51 PM

www.thefilterguys.com they have some good ro units for a good price

Robamus · 05/13/2009, 01:10 AM

Dude I got the $120 light fixture with bulbs off eBay and the $90 RODI system as well. Its not as nice, but to get into this hobby I dont see a problem. You can upgrade anytime. My lights are just power compacts as well. I cant keep hard corrals but its a reef tank!

Stray32 · 05/13/2009, 06:16 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Samcorp
What is a base of 2?

A base of 2 is quite expensive on the 75 gpd filter, 150$

Whats the minimal base required?

Not quite sure I understand your question, but when I said that I got a reading of 2.0 from the RO and distilled water, I meant that (and correct me if I am wrong guys), that there are 2 ppm of dissolved solids in the water. My tap water in Pittsburgh is about 130 ppm. RO/DI water has a TDS of 0.0.

cardiffgiant · 05/13/2009, 06:57 AM

Just some sound advice from a guy that tries to save as much money as possible in this hobby... Anything that that I've skimped on has come back to haunt me. Buying something cheap, then upgrading it later is more costly than buying the better item first.

With my 75 gallon system, I took several months to acquire good components. I bought a lot of used equip, only buying new where it made good financial sense.

This is an expensive hobby. No way around it. You can be thrifty and buy a couple of things used (local or ebay), in group buys with your local club, or just by shopping online. Overall, the most money that you'll save is by learning from the mistakes that others have made, and trying to do as many things correctly the first time as possible.

There are a lot of build threads on here. I read several of those before I redid my system. Good luck!

Quote:

Originally posted by Samcorp
Hey guys, could I use tap water with seachem Prime for just FOWLR aquarium (with anemone)?

I called a person today who is expierenced in fish keeping. He told me if I wanted coral/reef I would need metal halide lights, which can run me another 500$ plus another 20$ atleast in the electric bill.
This really made me decide to quit on reef. However, I do still want to start a FOWLR tank.

Can I just use tap water without a RO/DI unit?

You can use tap water with a FOWLR. I did it for years. That system crashed hard, and I lost a lot of fish. The build up of minerals, and use of tap water lead to a really unsightly hair algae problem. I wish that I could grow a lawn as thick and green as the hair algae was in that tank.

I did try to keep an anem under 2 VHO bulbs in that system. I don't advise doing it unless you want to kill an anem.

I have kept anems under compact fluorescent (CF) fixtures. I bought a Current or Orbit 230w fixture used on ebay for around $150. I felt like I was lucky to sell it for $100. Seems like lots of folks are moving away from them, and you can buy used ones fairly cheap.

If you have a tank that is 20" high, you could use a CF fixture to keep softies, polyps, mushrooms, and even an anemone that's positioned higher in the tank.

Samcorp · 05/13/2009, 06:46 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Robamus
Dude I got the $120 light fixture with bulbs off eBay and the $90 RODI system as well. Its not as nice, but to get into this hobby I dont see a problem. You can upgrade anytime. My lights are just power compacts as well. I cant keep hard corrals but its a reef tank!

Is this the Ro/Di system that you mean? http://cgi.ebay.com/Reef-6st-100GPD-...QQcmdZViewItem

I think i've gained hope again...

Samcorp · 05/13/2009, 06:48 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Robamus
Dude I got the $120 light fixture with bulbs off eBay and the $90 RODI system as well. Its not as nice, but to get into this hobby I dont see a problem. You can upgrade anytime. My lights are just power compacts as well. I cant keep hard corrals but its a reef tank!

Also, how did you get that light on ebay? I don't see it anywhere ( Coralife Aqualight Single Linear Strip Compact Fluorescent Fixture, 2X65 Watt, 48 inch)

alextheromanian · 05/13/2009, 06:50 PM

i get mine at walmart....its 37cents/ gal..

0 ppm and my tanks been doing great for 6 months.

yes there is an alternative....get in a boat and get actual reef water...however something tells me thatll cost you a tad bit more.

Samcorp · 05/13/2009, 06:53 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by cardiffgiant
Just some sound advice from a guy that tries to save as much money as possible in this hobby... Anything that that I've skimped on has come back to haunt me. Buying something cheap, then upgrading it later is more costly than buying the better item first.

With my 75 gallon system, I took several months to acquire good components. I bought a lot of used equip, only buying new where it made good financial sense.

This is an expensive hobby. No way around it. You can be thrifty and buy a couple of things used (local or ebay), in group buys with your local club, or just by shopping online. Overall, the most money that you'll save is by learning from the mistakes that others have made, and trying to do as many things correctly the first time as possible.

There are a lot of build threads on here. I read several of those before I redid my system. Good luck!

You can use tap water with a FOWLR. I did it for years. That system crashed hard, and I lost a lot of fish. The build up of minerals, and use of tap water lead to a really unsightly hair algae problem. I wish that I could grow a lawn as thick and green as the hair algae was in that tank.

I did try to keep an anem under 2 VHO bulbs in that system. I don't advise doing it unless you want to kill an anem.

I have kept anems under compact fluorescent (CF) fixtures. I bought a Current or Orbit 230w fixture used on ebay for around $150. I felt like I was lucky to sell it for $100. Seems like lots of folks are moving away from them, and you can buy used ones fairly cheap.

If you have a tank that is 20" high, you could use a CF fixture to keep softies, polyps, mushrooms, and even an anemone that's positioned higher in the tank.

Again, more hope!

I have a question about the lighting in this situation. Would the fixture I wanted (2x65 watt) alone be enough? Its simply a double strip fixture, or do I need more lighting?
Could I just mix up my other lighting that came with the tank?

And, I also am creating a canopy. Could the lighting present a fire hazard as it will be under the hood (not build into the hood)?

Thanks!

Sam

Toddrtrex · 05/13/2009, 06:58 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Samcorp
Again, more hope!

I have a question about the lighting in this situation. Would the fixture I wanted (2x65 watt) alone be enough? Its simply a double strip fixture, or do I need more lighting?
Could I just mix up my other lighting that came with the tank?

And, I also am creating a canopy. Could the lighting present a fire hazard as it will be under the hood (not build into the hood)?

Thanks!

Sam

2*65 will be fine for fish only, but couldn't keep an anemone with those lights.

cardiffgiant · 05/13/2009, 07:01 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Samcorp
Again, more hope!

I have a question about the lighting in this situation. Would the fixture I wanted (2x65 watt) alone be enough? Its simply a double strip fixture, or do I need more lighting?
Could I just mix up my other lighting that came with the tank?

And, I also am creating a canopy. Could the lighting present a fire hazard as it will be under the hood (not build into the hood)?

Thanks!

Sam

I was definitely pushing the limit with a 4x65. I wouldn't plan to keep corals or an anem with any less. If you plan to build a canopy, I'd look into a retro kit. It's more money... but if you are going to the trouble of building a canopy...

Again, you might find a decent one used.

cardiffgiant · 05/13/2009, 07:04 PM

Also, here's a guy in my local reef club selling a 300gpd RO/DI for $75. Heck of a deal. He also happens to be the person that I bought my current 75gal tank from, and is a real good guy.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...readid=1634159

Samcorp · 05/13/2009, 07:06 PM

http://cgi.ebay.com/48-CORALIFE-4x65...ayphotohosting

Good idea?

Or, should I just mix my current lights (2 bulbs) with a new 2x65 fixture?

Also, I do not plan on installing anything in the canopy, just a simple hood design. The reason why i'm creating one is to make the tank seem like it is filled to the rim, but it will actually be filled about 2-4 inches off.. because of the dangers of the overflow + water weight.. (possibly)

Samcorp · 05/13/2009, 07:09 PM

Also, do corals need 24/7 lighting every day? Or is 8 hours (at max) enough.. then just general daylight cheap lighting

05/12/2009, 09:09 PM	#28
Toddrtrex Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Carol Stream, IL Posts: 23,162	What anemone? Most hosting anemones are going to require the same amount of lights as "corals" And I know that I wouldn't personally use tap water with an anemone. __________________ Click my name and then "visit toddrtrex's homepage" for tank pictures Current Tank Info: 210g reef and 65g reef

05/12/2009, 09:16 PM	#31
Toddrtrex Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Carol Stream, IL Posts: 23,162	Sure, there are plenty of nice looking FOWLR. You may want to look into T5's, they might be cheaper then metal halides. However, IMO, water isn't an area to skimp on. It is the base of your whole tank, and so many issues can be fixed by starting off with quality water. __________________ Click my name and then "visit toddrtrex's homepage" for tank pictures Current Tank Info: 210g reef and 65g reef

05/12/2009, 09:28 PM	#33
Toddrtrex Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Carol Stream, IL Posts: 23,162	You posted that article as I was posting, so I missed it. From the part that you quoted, I disagree completely with it. My oldest anemone is 9+ years old, and it has spent its time in 0 TDS RO/DI water, and the tanks that it has been in have always had a protein skimmer, and low nutrient water. I disagree that if you have insufficient lighting, that you can just feed the anemone more, that is just asking for trouble. If you are going to keep one, should give it the best conditions possible. You have to think if you want a FOWLR tank for long term, or just as a stop gap before going to a full reef --- wouldn't want you to have to by lights and equipment twice. __________________ Click my name and then "visit toddrtrex's homepage" for tank pictures Current Tank Info: 210g reef and 65g reef

05/12/2009, 11:51 PM	#38
YE\|\|0W TA\|\\|G Registered Member $YE\|\|0W TA\|\\|G's Avatar$ Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Hillsborough New Jersey Posts: 699	www.thefilterguys.com they have some good ro units for a good price __________________ Rome was not built in a day, and neither was the ocean.. or our aquariums.. patience is they key to success.
$YE\|\|0W TA\|\\|G is offline$

05/13/2009, 06:50 PM	#44
alextheromanian Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Binghamton NY Posts: 1,007	i get mine at walmart....its 37cents/ gal.. 0 ppm and my tanks been doing great for 6 months. yes there is an alternative....get in a boat and get actual reef water...however something tells me thatll cost you a tad bit more. __________________ i just cant think of any phylosophical, deep, critical thinking quotes right now. Current Tank Info: 29g Reef, 75g FOWLR

05/12/2009, 08:02 PM	#26
Samcorp Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 400	Well, RO water isn't the best for you. Because theres pretty much nothing in it, it will deplete the nutrients in your body instead.. haha osmosis. Anyways, I'm not looking to drink RO water. I want to get a 3 stage plus a dionization stage, the economical one seems fine. But what does a base of 2 mean? Thanks, Sam

05/12/2009, 09:07 PM	#27
Samcorp Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 400	Hey guys, could I use tap water with seachem Prime for just FOWLR aquarium (with anemone)? I called a person today who is expierenced in fish keeping. He told me if I wanted coral/reef I would need metal halide lights, which can run me another 500$ plus another 20$ atleast in the electric bill. This really made me decide to quit on reef. However, I do still want to start a FOWLR tank. Can I just use tap water without a RO/DI unit?

05/12/2009, 09:13 PM	#29
Samcorp Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 400	Will any aquarium even look nice with only FOWLR? I cannot afford these lights, as they are WAY above what I can pay for. They cost more than my whole tank set up. Is there any alternative for hosting anemone.. what type of lights are cheaper/more energy effecient (.. not metal halides in other words)?

05/12/2009, 09:14 PM	#30
Samcorp Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 400	Also, in response to R/O water for anemone: "n the study, the anemones of the hobbyists who used tap water (as opposed to RO or highly purified water) fared much better. The reason may be the higher trace minerals (which anemones require) contained in tap water. The anemones in nutrient rich water fared better than in nutrient poor water. Since protein skimmers remove nutrients, their use may not be advised." http://saltaquarium.about.com/od/sea...lownfish_2.htm woot! No Ro/Di for me!!

05/12/2009, 09:21 PM	#32
Samcorp Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 400	So is this article inaccurate to you? I personally do not know what I should do. Also, how much cheaper is T5 lighting? (money wise) for a 90 gallon tank? If I decide to go with tap water plus seachem prime, would I be okay just putting fish, live rock, and live sand in it? Without anemone/corals of course? And if I decide to do anemone, I read that if your lighting is inadequate you need to feed it more. Could I feed it krill/etc and let my clownfish help feed it a better diet?

05/12/2009, 09:31 PM	#36
Samcorp Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 400	Well, i'm not sure if i can afford a full reef. This is too hard for me to think about: I need a protein skimmer ( I would prefer used for most equipment), sand (half live/half base) live rock (half live/half base.. possibly) tubing accessories for restarting the sump (it was drilled and the tubing seems really dirty) these are the main supplies.. i'm currently at a 300$ budget for these. I have 2 mag drive 7 pumps, plus (i posted my picture in my other thread of my tank: http://reefcentral.com/forums/showth...6#post14999446) I have a HOB filter which I probably won't even bother looking at, like 3 powerheads probably (275 gph I think each) I may think about buying just 1 MAIN powerhead to save time. The tank also comes with 2 heaters (wrapped in foam, 150 watts each) which I may put in the sump, 1 in the sump, 1 in the tank. So if someone could help me form a estimated cost, that would be great. I browse craigslist daily.

05/12/2009, 09:50 PM	#37
Samcorp Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 400	Hey guys, about the lighting, is this lighting alone acceptable? http://www.marineandreef.com/Aqualig...p/res53008.htm Also, I have this "coral light (it has i think 2 fluorescent light bulbs)" that came with my tank. Should I use them with these 2 fluorescent lights that I may buy?

05/13/2009, 01:10 AM	#39
Robamus Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: La Quinta, Ca Posts: 164	Dude I got the $120 light fixture with bulbs off eBay and the $90 RODI system as well. Its not as nice, but to get into this hobby I dont see a problem. You can upgrade anytime. My lights are just power compacts as well. I cant keep hard corrals but its a reef tank!

05/13/2009, 07:04 PM	#48
cardiffgiant Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Tampa Posts: 3,455	Also, here's a guy in my local reef club selling a 300gpd RO/DI for $75. Heck of a deal. He also happens to be the person that I bought my current 75gal tank from, and is a real good guy. http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh...readid=1634159

05/13/2009, 07:06 PM	#49
Samcorp Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 400	http://cgi.ebay.com/48-CORALIFE-4x65...ayphotohosting Good idea? Or, should I just mix my current lights (2 bulbs) with a new 2x65 fixture? Also, I do not plan on installing anything in the canopy, just a simple hood design. The reason why i'm creating one is to make the tank seem like it is filled to the rim, but it will actually be filled about 2-4 inches off.. because of the dangers of the overflow + water weight.. (possibly)

05/13/2009, 07:09 PM	#50
Samcorp Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 400	Also, do corals need 24/7 lighting every day? Or is 8 hours (at max) enough.. then just general daylight cheap lighting