[LauraLynn]

HI,
I'm new to this forum but not new to the hobby. However I've been using tap water with stress coat for water changes and have had no problems. We also did the same at the pet store I worked at and i've heard from a respeced member of our local reef club that people who live in CT or the long island area can get away with this. Also my friend and reef keeper of 30+ years uses a regular tap water purifier and has a beautiful reef tank. What are your thoughts? I'm noe against getting an ro filter I'm just broke right now.
Thanks Laura

[WILLIAM1]

I only use RO water thats it nothing else will do. You can get a great RO unit for about $200. I would check out ebay or craigslist. I have the same size tank as you one time when my RO unit was down I went to walmart and used the self serve RO despinser for $1.25 gallon I got 20 gallons. Recently I had to refill the bottles again for a water change 33 cents each thats it. The water hasnt been so clear in months. Im pretty amazed in the quality.

[dori9941]

I've been using filtered tap water for 3 years. I use NOVA AQUA and havn't had problem. (YET) lol. I did not know u shouldn't use tap water. I have a python hose, will it be useless If I stop the use of tap water?

[dori9941]

Originally Posted by LauraLynn

HI,
I'm new to this forum but not new to the hobby. However I've been using tap water with stress coat for water changes and have had no problems. We also did the same at the pet store I worked at and i've heard from a respeced member of our local reef club that people who live in CT or the long island area can get away with this. Also my friend and reef keeper of 30+ years uses a regular tap water purifier and has a beautiful reef tank. What are your thoughts? I'm noe against getting an ro filter I'm just broke right now.
Thanks Laura

Nice question thanks, I would never have Known

[LauraLynn]

Ok guys I'll check it out. But do you really think Petco's water is alright? There stores are pretty clueless when it comes to saltwater fish. Walmart has ro water? I never saw that either.

[WILLIAM1]

Walmart has a cullagen water machine in the back by the grocery section.

[IceMan]

you can get a pen type TDS meter for about $20 or take a sample to the LFS and get them to test it but i'd be scared of using tap water, heres a link someone here showed me, unfortunately after i bought mine... lol

RO Systems

very good deals here!

[R34dawn]

I have been doing just as Laura stated above and I haven't had any major problems for a long time, till just 2 mo. back when I purchased few coral frags, and my pagoda started to have a tissue loss, I am waiting to get an ro/di unit as soon as I can afford one

[LauraLynn]

Thanks I'll check out wallmart. I do keep alot of corals as a mater of fact I have so many I need more rock to put them on. I also keep a few nice Acro's that are doing well so far.. My problem is my tank is a 95 gallon wave and then I have a14 gal, bio cube and a 12 gal generic biocube it's called a cube master( it sucks) I use it for my dwarf cuttlefish. I also have a 29 gal. bio cube going up this week to replace a regular allglass 29 gal. I want all coral tanks. The 29 all glass
was my first tank years ago so it needs a tune up. I can't carry all that water!!!!!! I'll still try until I can afford an RO.
Talk to ya later I'm sure I have someone who needs to be fed or somthing

[IceMan]

you got all of it to tote by yourself, i guess you'll stay in great shape! hey it might add years to your life, keep that ticker trim n healthy!!!

[T-Bone]

Hey Laura,

I don't know where you live but my LFS (Exotic Fish and Coral in Milford) sells RO water really cheap. All you do is bring in a water jug and they fill it up for you. I go through 5 gallons a week with top offs and water changes.

Tom

[LauraLynn]

Wow T-bone that's funny I live 15 minutes from there I go there all the time. I used to work at all pets club in Branford but I just quit so I'm looking for a job now. Mabye I'll apply there!