Can I use store water??

[New_Reefer_1]

Hi all,

I have been using distilled water from the store to fill up my tank. I have noticed that I can get 49cents a gallon if I use drinking water - it says that it has gone through several filtration cycles, including carbon, UV, RO, and some more UV. My only concern is that it says "drinking water" and Im afraid that it could have chemicals that the fish dont like. Any suggestions?

[tktodd]

I am not sure about the drinking water, but I also use distilled water to top off my tanks untill I get a RO unit. I always add ph buffer, clacium, trace and iodine to each gallon of my distilled water. Like you said it may contain some added chemicals that need to be removed.

[alizarin]

If it's RO it'll be fine most likely. I used RO water from those machines in front of the grocery store for a year and a half and no troubles. Just make sure it's RO and not spring water... spring water will have some nutrients for algae.

[gillianandjoe]

I second the machines at the store, after you buy the container (usually about $10) the refills are way less expensive. My five gallon bottle costs 1.35 at Wallymart

[New_Reefer_1]

thanks guys for ur help. Yes it does say RO. I guess I will start using this from now on, until I invest in a RO/DI unit.

[saltman123]

I've been using walmart RO water for 3+ months in my 12 gallon and my tank looks amazing. Eventually I will get my own RO unit, but for now I use the Walmart stuff.

[Shagsbeard]

Some machines provide RO/DI as well as just RO. Mine calls RO "drinking" and RO/DI "Purified". You can ask for a TDS reading by calling the opperator and he's obligated to give you an accurate reading.

[BC Sparky]

I've got a buddy that uses the store bought and he finds different results based on the different stores. I would think that each store would have a different maintenance routine with their filters. I would suggest saving the gas and spending a few bucks on an RO/DI unit. It's one of the few things in this hobby that will eventually pay for itself.

[Tremolo]

there should be a sticker on the machine somewhere that tells you the last time it was serviced and filter replaced. I wouldnt use it if it hasnt been serviced for a few months.

[saltman123]

Walmart RO/DI water is .64 cents a gallon. Or you can get Distilled for even cheaper. I pick up a few gallons every time I am there and it works out great.

I do however only change 2 gallons every week or two though. If I had to deal with larger quantities I would be investing in an RO/DI machine sooner.

[kass03]

I also use the Walmart RO in my 12 gal. I had a friend test the TDS in mine and it was 12 which is'nt 0 but not the worst. It's like 35 cents a gal here if you have your own container.
It can vary everytime though depending on the maintenance.

I have my own well and use tap water for my big tanks. I really can't tell the difference lol except my nano seems to have more diatoms than my other tanks but it also don't have a skimmer and is only about 6 months old.
My tap by the way tested 480 TDS lol. Ive been using it for 23 yrs now so not really to worried about it.
I did test my tap for nitrate and phosphate and it tests 0. I do have hard water so that would be some of the TDS.

Anyway I'm not against RO/DI water at all but don't think I need it personally.
I will say most people should use it.
I would be alot more afraid of the city water cuz they treat it and you don't know whats in it.

If you know anyone with a TDS meter I would have them test the water your using to see what it is.

kass

[2fishy]

kass03, do you have a water softner for your well water? Only asking because we are considering using our well water and have a water softner.

[kass03]

No I don't and never did. We have really hard water but one good thing about it is my PH and calcium is never low lol.
I dunno if I'd trust it using a water softener prolly not but maybe someone can answer that has used one.

Pretty cool you live in Rhinelander right by Doc Fosters lol.
Looks like a cool place to live. We go there every summer for the frag swap. You get to be "upnorth" but still have the essentials like Walmart and stuff lol.

kass

[2fishy]

Thanks kass03! Yeah, it's pretty convenient having Foster & Smith here. I think I am still going to try the well water. At least mix a batch and test it to see what the readings are. A couple of people I know here are using well water on their aquariums and don't seem to be having any problems. It sounds like the hard water is typical to Wisconsin.