[Gieke]

ok, ive been buying my water at the grocery store (ro) and its getting a little spendy do weekly water changes, is it ok to use water directly from the ocean (im a block away) or should I buy an ro di unit?

[Dr. Clyde]

Thats a good question, I've heard of people doing that but I'm not sure if they get it offshore or not + depending on where you are the water chemistry might not be what your looking for. Not sure for example if the cooler water off California is good for tanks like the warm water off Florida.

[jimw369]

Originally Posted by Gieke

ok, ive been buying my water at the grocery store (ro) and its getting a little spendy do weekly water changes, is it ok to use water directly from the ocean (im a block away) or should I buy an ro di unit?

As Clyde mentioned they get it offshore. To many pollutants close to shore. Just get an RO/DI unit and be done with it. $100 gets a good unit. Peace of mind included with that price. Doesnt need gas to run either! WoW! youre gonna save a bundle!

[Snappy]

Originally Posted by jimw369

As Clyde mentioned they get it offshore. To many pollutants close to shore. Just get an RO/DI unit and be done with it. $100 gets a good unit. Peace of mind included with that price. Doesnt need gas to run either! WoW! youre gonna save a bundle!

good advice

[Gieke]

Originally Posted by jimw369

As Clyde mentioned they get it offshore. To many pollutants close to shore. Just get an RO/DI unit and be done with it. $100 gets a good unit. Peace of mind included with that price. Doesnt need gas to run either! WoW! youre gonna save a bundle!

I know crabbers that can get the water from up to 10 miles offshore but Peace of mind I think is a good point. I think I will try to find a good ro unit im just concerned about water waste.

[jimw369]

[quote=Gieke;80681]I know crabbers that can get the water from up to 10 miles offshore but Peace of mind I think is a good point. I think I will try to find a good ro unit im just concerned about water waste.[/QUOTE]

We all are...good point. Use the water for plants, flowers and such or I even use the water to wash my filter socks. I just pour the water in the machine with 5 gal buckets. Its a pain but it makes me feel better than dumping it down the drain.

There also is an RO/DI unit that has zero waste water. Not sure on the brand. Maybe some one knows what it is. Its been posted here before.

[DEWAYNE]

hey guys, this raised a question. I have a fish only tank, as for now, I change 20% every two to three months. now before yall blow a gasket, just tested water yesterday, eveything, except phosphates were in check. I am saving my allowance and buying MH lighting.......I think 2 250watt/10k will work fine. now, once reef gets going (1st piece) how often should I do water change, and time per day on the MH's......and after they go out, can I use substitute lighting. I love my small piece of the ocean, my lighting schduel now is 12 hrs (too much,I know). any info. would be great,thanx. oh and the ro/di unit, is this a big piece of the puzzle when keeping a reef.

[Snappy]

RO/DI water is an important piece of the puzzle IMO depending on what you keep in the tank. A must for a successful and colorful sps tank, but in a FOWLR probably not so much.