Reef Builders - The Source for Reef Keeping Information

ladybus301 · #1 (**permalink**) 01-17-2007, 11:03 PM

is distilled water the same as r/o water. and can i use it in my salt water tank. also if it is not distilled water, then where cani buy it?

volitan_fa · #2 (**permalink**) 01-18-2007, 03:22 AM

It's not the same. Distilled is a lot more pure (by like 3 decimal point I think). You can really use either, but distilled is a little more pricey.

I've HEARD that because a lot of stills use copper pipes that there are sometimes traces of copper in distilled water. Don't know if it's true, but not wanting to find out is mainly why I've not used distilled.

ladybus301 · #3 (**permalink**) 01-18-2007, 11:13 AM

Thanks for the reply on the distilled water. I want to use r/o water but just dont know where to find it. can u help me out on that?

volitan_fa · #4 (**permalink**) 01-18-2007, 11:59 AM

The best thing you can do is get yourself a TDS meter (I think they're about $25) and check a couple of sources. Places like Wal-Mart and WinCo sell RO or RO/DI water out of dispensers. Also if you have a bottling company around you (like Culligan), check those out, just make sure to check the water with your TDS first. Some "RO/DI" water sources can have a TDS of 100 or so, which is not acceptable

michelle's ocean fantasy · #5 (**permalink**) 01-18-2007, 08:16 PM

What is TDS? What is a 'suitable' reading if 100 is not good?

I def want to use rev osm. for all the good things I've read, and all the bad things about tap water. Pls inform as I am trying to get all my ducks (oops! I mean fishies) in a row before setting up. Thanks!

volitan_fa · #6 (**permalink**) 01-19-2007, 03:56 AM

TDS = total dissolved solids. This is a reading of how pure the water is. A suitable reading should be as close to 0 as possible (meaning pure water). The higher the number, the less suitable the water is. Usually under 15-25 is acceptable ( I believe ).

reefaddict · #7 (**permalink**) 01-20-2007, 12:08 AM

I purchased a 6 stage RO/DI unit online through EBAY and I love it. Not to bad of price and it mounted under my utility sink with a dedicated faucet included. Especially if you have a larger tank and go through alot of water. I use about 3-4 gallons a day. It paid for itself in no time.

volitan_fa · #8 (**permalink**) 01-21-2007, 03:47 AM

Yeah, you can get them pretty cheap on the auction sites. You'll usually end up paying $120-$150 for a good one. You spend about $0.25 - $0.50 per gallon otherwise. It does add up quickly.

dalekenworthy · #9 (**permalink**) 01-21-2007, 07:20 AM

hi, i had this conversation at lfs, if you have a dehumidifier with a stainless collection plate the water will be A.O.K if it has copper plate dont use it, i hope this helps

volitan_fa · #10 (**permalink**) 01-21-2007, 02:38 PM

Never heard of it...but that really is how a distiller works anyway...

Twan013 · #11 (**permalink**) 02-01-2007, 10:13 PM

yeah, my LFS guy told me to go buy distilled water... i've only got a 55gallon, so IMO, buying an RO/DI unit would just seem over the top... i could be wrong tho... i'll just stick with his recommendation... he also mentioned something about a UV sterilizer... but i read that those can be bad because they kill too much of the good stuff... anybody have some input on this subject?

dalamar96 · #12 (**permalink**) 02-02-2007, 02:17 PM

I think that buying an RO/DI will pay for itself before too long with a 55gal tank, as you will need to change at least 5gal / week or 10/2 weeks. That is a lot of distilled water to carry back and forth. The RO/DI will do about 50 gal / day and only purchases after that would be the filters (life depends on the unit etc).

FisH NooB · #13 (**permalink**) 02-03-2007, 10:59 AM

i think a combo of both dw and row is sufficient from like walmart or water mill... as long as they maintenance the machine regularly... the ro machine is great tho, very handy and pays itself off in no time... use it for drinking water to if u feel that u wont use it to it's fullest...