RO water, starting a cycle...easy questions.

[Zeb]

Ok, I revised a plan to construct my SW tank.

First things first: RO water.

Now, I've been told RO is a must. Even for FO, or mushrooms, because it will cause massive algae. Could someone please explain why this is so?

Secondly, I'd like to ask the best ( or cheapest ) way to get RO water. From what I know, my LFS would be best...if I bring my own container, it will cost me $2/ 5 gallons. ( $12 for my initial fill up, plus probably $2 per week for water changes.)

Is it best to buy from a dealer, or is there a cheap-ish and reliable personal RO unit?

Also, It IS a must to use RO in the first fill-up, even without any fish or LR....right? ( I just need water to mix salt and begin the cycle. )

And last....a question about cycling. I've been told from various forums to fishless cycle, without LR, before I buy any livestock. So....where do bacteria form? Am I suppossed to add sand, and let that be the breeding ground?

Thanks,
Zeb

[BrianH]

Zeb,

I would recommend using RO water for your tank. Remember that you will also need top off water for your tank so your cost may go up to $4 per week. AirWaterIce (http://www.airwaterice.com) has pretty good prices on RO/DI filters. You could get their 100gpd typhoon for about the same or a little less than your yearly cost at the lfs.

Do you plan on buying cured or uncured live rock? If you buy cured live rock from your lfs, then yes you should wait until after your fishless cycle to add it so you don't kill off the creatures on the LR during cycling. If you buy uncured LR online, then add it to your tank to start your fishless cycle. The critters that die on the LR will start the ammonia spike to kick off your cycle.

Brian

[kreblak]

Now, I've been told RO is a must. Even for FO, or mushrooms, because it will cause massive algae. Could someone please explain why this is so?

Tap water often contains high levels of phosphates, which algaes need to bloom, alond with silicates and nitrates. RO water helps reduce the amount of phosphate buildup in the tank, thus keeping down algae blooms.

[Ray Pollett]

I believe the saying " if it ain't broke don't fix it":

Is your tap water bad? If not why use RO. Check your water first. let it tell you if you need RO or DI water.

I do tanks in 3 counties with 6 different water supplies. I do not use RO and do not have algae problems. Some of the tanks have been up and running for years.

Ray