[michelle's ocean fantasy]

Yeah!!!!! I am so close to finally beginning I can barely stand it! If all goes according to plan, we will be laying down the tile for the fireplace room in the next couple of weeks- then I can move my tank in!!!
Today I went to 1 of our LFS and ordered 8 more bags of the samoa pink sand
(total: 180lbs).
Then on the way home I bought more RO/DI water.
As soon as I have everything here, I plan on taking a picture of everything to start, and post it so if anyone has seen or used any of what I am getting- you can fill me in on your experiences.
Also I want to start an online album - from beginning to end. Some of the pics in this forum are incredible!
I am glad I have a friend doing this at the same time, although she is ahead of me right now. Which is good because she can 'pull' me back if I get too eager. I know I have to do this slowly.
Ok- just posted this as a 'getting to know you post'- will be back when I have something to show

[mattpenn]

cant wait to see your progress

[glampka]

You might want to consider buying a RO/DI filter rather than hauling all that water around.

[msbdiving]

I agree about the RO/DI filter. Cheaper in the long run. You can find good deals online like ebay or other stores. Make sure you shop around so you don't get gouged just because you are in the saltwater hobby which must mean you have money so the price goes up.

When I was a cop, we used to joke about making items "tactical" by making it nylon black w/ velcro and and charging double vs. leather.

[michelle's ocean fantasy]

Thanks guys!
The reason I was doing the bottled RO/DI was because we have well water, and although our water is very very good- (we have an awesome system) I was told BETTER not to 'take a chance' so use the bottles.
"IF" I were to buy the RO/DI filter, is it something that can also be used in conjunction with our home system? Or is it strictly for the aquarium?
And I have to say that I am SO HAPPY for my friend (her name on this site : JOEDEB) as we went to the LFS today and she got the MOST beautiful HUGE rock! It has baby dusters scattered over it, red sponge, etc- NICE PICK!!! CONGRATS DEB!!!

[lynnvangsnes]

You can check out this site for a RO/DI system, although there are many others out there
Melevsreef.com - Welcome!
This guy also has several really nice tanks with lots of other info.

[michelle's ocean fantasy]

Hey- I know that website. I actually read about the 'starting a saltwater tank' article and looked at his tanks, but never really checked out the rest. There is SO MUCH info out there I am trying to limit my search to a select few. I like the info here, because it is real and honest. And there have been a few others,too. But the more I look into this, the more the info seems to contradict itself and what 1 person is telling me is then oppposite of what another person or book is saying. It is very confusing, and I don't want to get steered in the wrong direction. Also as far as purchasing livestock online, I have been checking into the validity of that also- don't want to do business with someone who is (a) not a good company, (b) not taking care of their livestock, and (c) actually acquiring their items in the 'wrong' way. I have narrowed those down as well. I am making a binder of the companies I wish to do business with, and the websites I wish to participate in. I will post my pic as soon as I get my tank in its new home. Thanks guys and have a great night!

[mtfabel]

Sometimes, more aften than not, there is more than one right answer to alot of the questions involved in this hobby. When you get some info see if you can get it confirmed even if someone else said to to it another way.

[Krazy]

Check out The Filter Guys for RO/DI ...

Call the # on the site and ask for Jim, He'll walk you through all your questions on the RO/DI system...



Cant wait to see some pics too

[Joedirte83]

Welcome to the hobby Michelle. I just recently started myself around 1.5 months ago, so I'm basically new too. I have started a build-up for my 29G BioCube as that one is about to come to an end as my 65G receives water this weekend. I wish you luck in your adventure.

Now about an RO/DI unit, I would strongly consider buying one. At first, I wanted to go the route of purchasing water from the LFS but after about 100 gallons, at $1.00 a gallon, I said enough. With that money I could have been half way to the purchase of a RO/DI unit. I recently purchased the Kent Marine MAX50 Maxxima....best investment I have made in regards to fresh/saltwater related purchases. If you look at the percentages of removal, the Maxxima series (not including the Hi-S models) will remove 99.9% across the board. Whereas all the other ones I have looked at will only do 99.9% on certain chemicals/toxins, i.e. the Hi-S only removes in the low 90's for nitrates versus my 99.9% (non Hi-S models). I have already produced over 300 gallons of product water since I started using it....$300 at the LFS. That more that the unit itself.

Some people complain about the 3-to-1 water to product ratio of most RO units but it doesn't really bother me. I use the waste water for the garden and plants around the house. I also give it to the dogs. Plus my homeowners covers my water bill so I never see an increase in water costs.

If you are interested, Costco makes a 0 waste water RO unit that is only available at Costco, so you would need a membership or have to know someone with one.

[michelle's ocean fantasy]

Love the comments- thanks for getting back with me. I will consider the unit most definitely- however I have already purchased almost ALL my water, so it will be a shame to not use it. I and a friend have been looking thru all the books we've accumulated between the both of us re: fish, inverts, coral, care/maintenance- they do mention the unit as a VERY WISE investment- so thank you. And I will take ALL info I hear into consideration as I am glad to hear this isn't a 'black/white' 'concrete' question and answer type of hobby. What works best for someone may not for someone else- not necessarily that either is wrong. So thanks for that,too!