Tap water okay at first ?

N

nevpugh308

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Feb 7, 2004
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Ashby de la Zouch, UK
www.javaobjects.net
I'm trying to fill a 77g (85g-ish US ?) tank with RO water, and I'm getting bored coz I've been at it a week already !

Basically I've got a 50g/day RO unit running, but I only run it in the evenings/weekends when I'm around for 2 reasons .... one : I dont have a large container, just several 2g buckets, and a bucket is full after 1.5 hours.

And two, here's a hint for you .... when you install an RO unit, dont just check the pipes YOU connect, also check all the factory fitted pipes for tightness. Dimbulb here didn't, and the second time I used the RO unit a pipe flew off whilst I was elsewhere in the house, didn't find it for 20-30 minutes, and it completely FLOODED my garage !! :mad:

Anyway, I digress .... so far I've got about 40g in the tank, but it's taking forever ..... for an initial fill can I just s*d it and fill with (treated) tap water ? That would make a 50/50 mix of RO and tap water. Remember too that for every partial water change from now on in I'll use RO exclusively, and for the first couple of months I'm not going to be running much in the tank apart from live rock and live sand (and MAYBE a crab or two)

Thoughts ? Or should I just shut up and be patient :sigh:
 
I'd be patient as well. You should be able to run the water directly into the tank, which may make it a bit easier. The problem with mixing--depending on what your tap is like--is that you may be importing a bunch of phosphates and nitrates. While it may not seem like a big deal, I can assure you that dealing with the algae bloom this may cause will be a far bigger headache than taking a bit more time to fill it with pure RO.

You might also want to get a larger bucket--1.5 gallons won't be enough for a regular water change, and you will need to pre mix the salt before adding it to your tank.
 
Yes it does feel like buy buy buy at first. A reccomendation go to lowes or home depot and you can get some 5 gallon buckets for a few bucks. That is what I use instead of the 14-20 dollar ones at the fish store.
 
Agriculture supply stores are another great place to check for water tubs. They have a wide variety of sturdy tubs, in the hard plastic that won't react with the saltwater. A large tub for the RO water to use for top offs is also a good idea--new garbage cans are a popular choice. Since they have lids, you can secure them from dust, children, and light easily.
 
One more tip--you can purchase a Screamer--it's alittle battery operated unit that has a lead that you place at the top of the water line (ie where the water will be when the bucket is full). It's an alarm that goes off when the water gets to the right level--and trust me, it's loud enough to get your attention. I haven't had a flood since purchasing mine--easily some of the best dollars spent on my tanks, right up there with timers for the lights.
 
Thanks for the ideas. I especially like the sound of the screamer ! :) Oh wait, no, I'm supposed to be CURBING my spending !! (I've already spent about the equiv. of 2000$ and I haven't even bought any live rock or fish yet ...... {sigh} ..... oh well, it will be worth it :excited:
 
Welcome Nev, I use a 30gl garbage can to store my water and I know what you mean about taking forever to fill a tank especially when your ready to go. It's best to do it right from the beginning which means all ro water. If you have a problem later at least you won't wonder to yourself if it was because you threw in some tap water. Patience is the key in all you do with this hobby/obsession. Good luck.
 
Sorry to be ignorant on abbreviations. What is RO? I use tap water and usually have problems with algae. Thanks. I actually just moved and swaped my 55 from CC to DSB. Lost a few snails and crabs, but the fish seem ok. I think there is some amonia. Any ideas for getting that lowered? Really don't want my fish to be harmed. I've had them for years.
 
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