Bottled water?

HUNTER1 · 09/08/2012, 05:18 PM

Can I start my new tank and for top off using bottled water from vending machine? thanks

Myst666 · 09/08/2012, 05:25 PM

I would test the water but i think that the machine water is high in phosphates.

HUNTER1 · 09/08/2012, 06:00 PM

What other choices do I have except tap water?

cloak · 09/08/2012, 06:04 PM

Do you know for a fact your tap water won't work? I've been using tap water for almost 14 years now without any problems. Go figure...

Sometimes it's not the source, it's the husbandry... (food for thought)

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2004/1/chemistry

knap_123 · 09/08/2012, 06:16 PM

for me i dont live near a lfs or have the $ for rodi yet! so i've been asking the same ? as you and i've had alot of responces. one was to save up for rodi. thats not happening my kids keep me broke no matter how much i try to save a dollor. i looked at local stores and walmart had there brand and it comes in 3 different gallons. spring,some other and distilled. i had a few reply that they had used the distilled for awhile with no problems so that might be a choice. and home depot carrys a 5 gallon water cooler bottle that says rodi on the cap or distilled. this is my first choice i want to go with and its 12$ for the first bottle and when you return it it cost 6 something for another. you can find used rodi pretty regulary on craiglist. but my thinking is, why are you selling it?? i no you have to replace the filters and there expensive so maybe they need replaceing and the person is tired of fooling with it so is looking for a smuck. i hope somebody has a good answer for us though.

Agu · 09/08/2012, 06:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cloak

Do you know for a fact your tap water won't work? I've been using tap water for almost 14 years now without any problems. Go figure...

Sometimes it's not the source, it's the husbandry... (food for thought)

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2004/1/chemistry

Some water sources, very few, have water good enough to use in a reef tank without further purification. Usually it's the source, not the husbandry.

"Drinking Water" has minerals because ultra pure water hypothetically has no flavor. I say hypothetically because ultra pure water absorbs flavors from it's container and the air.

If you don't have an RO/DI your two best choices are buying from a reputable LFS (I had an LFS try to sell me tap water) or using distilled water.

Realposition · 09/08/2012, 06:30 PM

I used distilled water from Walmart for top offs when I first started, Never had any problems

HUNTER1 · 09/08/2012, 06:33 PM

I will try to use the bottled water from the vending machine I use, I know I red RO/DI in the their cleaning process. Even that I have to haul many 5g bottles to fill my 40g tank. I can just use distilled for top off. Will I run into problems doing these?
It's better than tap water

cloak · 09/08/2012, 06:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Agu

Some water sources, very few, have water good enough to use in a reef tank without further purification. Usually it's the source, not the husbandry.

"Drinking Water" has minerals because ultra pure water hypothetically has no flavor. I say hypothetically because ultra pure water absorbs flavors from it's container and the air.

If you don't have an RO/DI your two best choices are buying from a reputable LFS (I had an LFS try to sell me tap water) or using distilled water.

I have to respectivly disagree. There's too many threads out there where people R using RO/DI but are having some of the same problems that might accompany bad tap water.
Copper poisoning doesn't come up that often...

When it really boils down to it, (IMO) it's a hobby, and some people are just better at it than others...

I'm horrible at tennis, but ping pong is a different story...

kissman · 09/08/2012, 06:37 PM

The best option is to buy a RO/DI system will save you a lot of money. Buy a jug of water and test the TDS, Phosphates and nitrates and see what they are.

cloak · 09/08/2012, 06:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kissman

The best option is to buy a RO/DI system will save you a lot of money. Buy a jug of water and test the TDS, Phosphates and nitrates and see what they are.

Don't muck it up...

STiREX · 09/08/2012, 06:52 PM

I have also used distilled water for top off with no problems. You can buy rodi from walmart and such but I would advise testing it. Im willing to bet their filters arent changed as often as they should be

HUNTER1 · 09/08/2012, 07:00 PM

Ok is this the RO/DI recommended? I can have this installed and try it.
http://www.culliganwateroffers.com/?ca[kw]=ro%20system&ca[cr]=%7Bcreative%7D&ca[mt]=p&cb[xp]=mobile&ca[mp]=MSN&se[ag]=nonbranded_reverse_osmosis&utm_source=msn&utm_medium=cpc

frogmaster421 · 09/08/2012, 07:01 PM

you can go to wal mart and buy the big ones that would probly be the cheapest

kissman · 09/08/2012, 07:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HUNTER1

Ok is this the RO/DI recommended? I can have this installed and try it.
http://www.culliganwateroffers.com/?ca[kw]=ro%20system&ca[cr]=%7Bcreative%7D&ca[mt]=p&cb[xp]=mobile&ca[mp]=MSN&se[ag]=nonbranded_reverse_osmosis&utm_source=msn&utm_medium=cpc

thats not the samething as a RO/DI unit here is what I have and recommend

http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/bulk-r...tem-75gpd.html

sinenomine · 09/08/2012, 07:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kissman

thats not the samething as a RO/DI unit here is what I have and recommend

http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/bulk-r...tem-75gpd.html

+1 this one is worth every penny.

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

HUNTER1 · 09/08/2012, 07:26 PM

If that culligan wont work and I only live in an apartment then I gotta take chance with bottled water and distilled for top off.

Mstark11 · 09/08/2012, 08:25 PM

I use water from those mills, where you put in a quarter and you get a gallon. Cycled with it, and I'm keeping fish in it without a problem. It is a huge pain carrying the 5 gallon jugs back and forth (broke my wrist a couple months ago, and they're almost too heavy for me)

HUNTER1 · 09/08/2012, 09:23 PM

My tank is only 40g, it will be painful for initial fill up after that it's not much for water change.

Mstark11 · 09/08/2012, 09:46 PM

yup, I filled up my 55gal and then got 20 gal reserve. 10 gallons at a time.

zoafarm · 09/08/2012, 10:08 PM

The BRS RO/DI unit was the best suggestion. We are talking $125, and this might be too much for you. But in the long run it will be much cheaper and less hassle. Let's face it, this hobby is not cheap. I have $3,000+ in my system already (2 yrs old). Water will be the least of the cost. In the short-run, distilled water might be okay...but the RO/DI unit is what you need.

Best of Luck, and Happy Reefing.

jong11 · 09/09/2012, 06:38 AM

In the long run an RODI unit will pay for itself. I went through this same thought process when I started my tank. You need to consider the time driving to and from the water source, hauling water, mixing, etc... Its really not worth it. Wait and save. You can't be that hard up for cash if you are starting a reef tank. $125 is nothing compared to the other costs of your tank.
I have this unit, and its perfect. http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/bulk-r...tem-75gpd.html

HUNTER1 · 09/09/2012, 07:38 AM

Cost is not a problem. Just like you said this hobby is not cheap. My problem is I live in an apartment and I don't know if I need to drill any hole in the sink and not sure if I'm allowed to do that. Can this be installed under the sink? I have no knowledge in plumbing and who can I call to install this for me?
One more thing, can i use this for drinking instead of bottled water or this system has the option of turning off the DI process for drinking purposes. I red DI filtered water is not needed or suggested for drinking.

Mxreef887 · 09/09/2012, 08:34 AM

Before I got my RO/DI unit I would use water from Glacier machines ($1 for 5gallons here) and the my TDS meter would never read higher than 3 and never any detectable PO4. RO/DI unit is the way to go for 0 TDS and the hassle of lugging water around.

zoafarm · 09/09/2012, 08:35 AM

The unit can be hooked right up to the facet. This is the way I do it. It would be no problem in an apartment. All you do is take off the little tip w/ the screen on the facet, and hook the RO/DI unit to the facet...the same way you would hook up a Britta filter.

09/08/2012, 05:18 PM	#1
HUNTER1 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Posts: 1,044	Bottled water? Can I start my new tank and for top off using bottled water from vending machine? thanks

09/08/2012, 05:25 PM	#2
Myst666 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Cincinnati, OH Posts: 96	I would test the water but i think that the machine water is high in phosphates. __________________ "Live your life in such a way that when your feet hit the floor in the morning, Satan shudders & says..... Oh Crap... she's awake!" M Current Tank Info: 24 Gal Aqua Pod Holding Tank, 90 Gal BF w/TBS Rock, 10 Gal

09/09/2012, 06:38 AM	#22
jong11 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Maine Posts: 396	In the long run an RODI unit will pay for itself. I went through this same thought process when I started my tank. You need to consider the time driving to and from the water source, hauling water, mixing, etc... Its really not worth it. Wait and save. You can't be that hard up for cash if you are starting a reef tank. $125 is nothing compared to the other costs of your tank. I have this unit, and its perfect. http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/bulk-r...tem-75gpd.html __________________ 10 gallon nano - par 38 led bulb, 2 hk nano 240gph, 75w jager heater, aquaclear 70 (w/ ac 20 impeller), rkl controller Current Tank Info: 10 gal nano, 40 gal breeder (in progress)

09/09/2012, 07:38 AM	#23
HUNTER1 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Posts: 1,044	Cost is not a problem. Just like you said this hobby is not cheap. My problem is I live in an apartment and I don't know if I need to drill any hole in the sink and not sure if I'm allowed to do that. Can this be installed under the sink? I have no knowledge in plumbing and who can I call to install this for me? One more thing, can i use this for drinking instead of bottled water or this system has the option of turning off the DI process for drinking purposes. I red DI filtered water is not needed or suggested for drinking. Last edited by HUNTER1; 09/09/2012 at 07:52 AM.

09/08/2012, 06:00 PM	#3
HUNTER1 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Posts: 1,044	What other choices do I have except tap water?

09/08/2012, 06:04 PM	#4
cloak Moved On Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Stockton, CA Posts: 14,854	Do you know for a fact your tap water won't work? I've been using tap water for almost 14 years now without any problems. Go figure... Sometimes it's not the source, it's the husbandry... (food for thought) http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2004/1/chemistry

09/08/2012, 06:16 PM	#5
knap_123 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: alex city, alabama Posts: 756	for me i dont live near a lfs or have the $ for rodi yet! so i've been asking the same ? as you and i've had alot of responces. one was to save up for rodi. thats not happening my kids keep me broke no matter how much i try to save a dollor. i looked at local stores and walmart had there brand and it comes in 3 different gallons. spring,some other and distilled. i had a few reply that they had used the distilled for awhile with no problems so that might be a choice. and home depot carrys a 5 gallon water cooler bottle that says rodi on the cap or distilled. this is my first choice i want to go with and its 12$ for the first bottle and when you return it it cost 6 something for another. you can find used rodi pretty regulary on craiglist. but my thinking is, why are you selling it?? i no you have to replace the filters and there expensive so maybe they need replaceing and the person is tired of fooling with it so is looking for a smuck. i hope somebody has a good answer for us though.

09/08/2012, 06:30 PM	#7
Realposition Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Cheektowaga NY Posts: 320	I used distilled water from Walmart for top offs when I first started, Never had any problems

09/08/2012, 06:33 PM	#8
HUNTER1 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Posts: 1,044	I will try to use the bottled water from the vending machine I use, I know I red RO/DI in the their cleaning process. Even that I have to haul many 5g bottles to fill my 40g tank. I can just use distilled for top off. Will I run into problems doing these? It's better than tap water

09/08/2012, 06:37 PM	#10
kissman Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Lynchburg, Va Posts: 2,963	The best option is to buy a RO/DI system will save you a lot of money. Buy a jug of water and test the TDS, Phosphates and nitrates and see what they are.

09/08/2012, 06:52 PM	#12
STiREX Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Illinois Posts: 98	I have also used distilled water for top off with no problems. You can buy rodi from walmart and such but I would advise testing it. Im willing to bet their filters arent changed as often as they should be

09/08/2012, 07:00 PM	#13
HUNTER1 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Posts: 1,044	Ok is this the RO/DI recommended? I can have this installed and try it. http://www.culliganwateroffers.com/?ca[kw]=ro%20system&ca[cr]=%7Bcreative%7D&ca[mt]=p&cb[xp]=mobile&ca[mp]=MSN&se[ag]=nonbranded_reverse_osmosis&utm_source=msn&utm_medium=cpc

09/08/2012, 07:01 PM	#14
frogmaster421 Registered Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: rochester Posts: 58	you can go to wal mart and buy the big ones that would probly be the cheapest

09/08/2012, 07:26 PM	#17
HUNTER1 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Posts: 1,044	If that culligan wont work and I only live in an apartment then I gotta take chance with bottled water and distilled for top off.

09/08/2012, 08:25 PM	#18
Mstark11 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Alamogordo, NM Posts: 274	I use water from those mills, where you put in a quarter and you get a gallon. Cycled with it, and I'm keeping fish in it without a problem. It is a huge pain carrying the 5 gallon jugs back and forth (broke my wrist a couple months ago, and they're almost too heavy for me)

09/08/2012, 09:23 PM	#19
HUNTER1 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2012 Posts: 1,044	My tank is only 40g, it will be painful for initial fill up after that it's not much for water change.

09/08/2012, 09:46 PM	#20
Mstark11 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Alamogordo, NM Posts: 274	yup, I filled up my 55gal and then got 20 gal reserve. 10 gallons at a time.

09/08/2012, 10:08 PM	#21
zoafarm Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Posts: 306	The BRS RO/DI unit was the best suggestion. We are talking $125, and this might be too much for you. But in the long run it will be much cheaper and less hassle. Let's face it, this hobby is not cheap. I have $3,000+ in my system already (2 yrs old). Water will be the least of the cost. In the short-run, distilled water might be okay...but the RO/DI unit is what you need. Best of Luck, and Happy Reefing.

09/09/2012, 08:34 AM	#24
Mxreef887 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Albuquerque NM Posts: 16	Before I got my RO/DI unit I would use water from Glacier machines ($1 for 5gallons here) and the my TDS meter would never read higher than 3 and never any detectable PO4. RO/DI unit is the way to go for 0 TDS and the hassle of lugging water around.

09/09/2012, 08:35 AM	#25
zoafarm Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Posts: 306	The unit can be hooked right up to the facet. This is the way I do it. It would be no problem in an apartment. All you do is take off the little tip w/ the screen on the facet, and hook the RO/DI unit to the facet...the same way you would hook up a Britta filter.