Help please!

narwal · 12/03/2009, 11:20 AM

I need to do some water changes ASAP. My system is 275 gallons and I'm set up to do about 30 gallons max per change (mixing salt, equalize temp, etc.) I've just finished one change but I think I will need to do a few more to get my levels back to near zero.

I always use RO/DI water but it takes a long time to get 30 gallons (like 8 hours or so).

Would it be better to use the RO/DI water over the next 3 days or can I just use tap water with conditioner to remove chlorine/chloramine?

Thanks

BLKTANG · 12/03/2009, 11:32 AM

IMO addind tap water with conditioners will just cause u more problems in the future.Make the RO/DI water,& change every time u get 10g.JMO.

rcorbitt · 12/03/2009, 11:36 AM

Maybe your LFS sells RO/DI. It's my experience that chemical conditioners do not remove all the chloramines. Some municipalities add flourine and phosphate to the water. I run a six-stage RO/DI filter for my make up/change water, and still use Rowaphos. Just my 2 cents.

MHannon · 12/03/2009, 11:54 AM

it depends on how urgent you really need to do these water changes. I would avoid the tap water if you can, but if you really need to, it can be done if you use the conditioner. Are you on a well or city water? If a well, you should be fine. We are on a well and our TDS right out of the ground is under 50ppm. I still use an rodi...... but if you have to, usually well water is pretty safe (usually).

narwal · 12/03/2009, 11:57 AM

Thanks to all. I'm going to stay away from tap water.

12/03/2009, 11:20 AM	#1
narwal Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Canada Posts: 192	Help please! I need to do some water changes ASAP. My system is 275 gallons and I'm set up to do about 30 gallons max per change (mixing salt, equalize temp, etc.) I've just finished one change but I think I will need to do a few more to get my levels back to near zero. I always use RO/DI water but it takes a long time to get 30 gallons (like 8 hours or so). Would it be better to use the RO/DI water over the next 3 days or can I just use tap water with conditioner to remove chlorine/chloramine? Thanks

12/03/2009, 11:32 AM	#2
BLKTANG Registered Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Never,Never Land Posts: 7,061	IMO addind tap water with conditioners will just cause u more problems in the future.Make the RO/DI water,& change every time u get 10g.JMO. __________________ We the few have done so much,for so long,for so little.That we are now qualified to do anything with nothing. ____________________________________________________________________________ Current Tank Info: RR 90 Maganvore sump,250w Hamilton fixture,VorTec's ASM skimmer.

12/03/2009, 11:36 AM	#3
rcorbitt Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Asheville, NC Posts: 72	Maybe your LFS sells RO/DI. It's my experience that chemical conditioners do not remove all the chloramines. Some municipalities add flourine and phosphate to the water. I run a six-stage RO/DI filter for my make up/change water, and still use Rowaphos. Just my 2 cents. __________________ "Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein

12/03/2009, 11:54 AM	#4
MHannon Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: On the Chesapeake Bay, Maryland (Cecil County) Posts: 800	it depends on how urgent you really need to do these water changes. I would avoid the tap water if you can, but if you really need to, it can be done if you use the conditioner. Are you on a well or city water? If a well, you should be fine. We are on a well and our TDS right out of the ground is under 50ppm. I still use an rodi...... but if you have to, usually well water is pretty safe (usually). __________________ "Never take life too seriously. Nobody gets out alive anyway." Current Tank Info: AGA 90gal W/ megaflow, 75gal sump in basement, Mag18 return, Vortech MP40 & MP10, six bulb 48" 54w TEK T-5, ASM G-3 W/ gate valve mod, softies, LPS, SPS, clams, lots of live rock & sand, & a 12 Gallon Nano Cube Deluxe w/ 70watt halide

12/03/2009, 11:57 AM	#5
narwal Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Canada Posts: 192	Thanks to all. I'm going to stay away from tap water.