Okay... first let me put a disclaimer:
I have never used RO/DI water; I do not have an RO/DI unit. I do know that this strips the water of pretty much everything including minerals. This is a question of theory, and it will likely cause a debate. I'm okay with that
Here's what I'm thinking about and putting out to the masses for discussion...
I was thinking about creating an automatic top off system for my tanks. I don't have a well, so this is plain old Paxton tap water I am working with. So, rather than using a bucket and siphon, I was thinking about buying an RO/DI unit to install inline to feed an auto top off system. The plumbing part should be simple enough... float + valve + water with enough pressure = auto top off. There's no reason to debate the plumbing design... I don't think so anyway.
The question is: How would this affect the aquarium's water long-term? Would I need to supplement minerals being stripped from the top off water? I ask because when I think about the aquarium as a relatively closed system, it seems like many of the minerals would just remain in the water unless they are removed through water changes or consumed by plants. Kh, for instance, should not change much, but over time I would expect for it to drop gradually if I don't supplement minerals to keep it up. Addition of fish food does increase the mineral content of the aquarium's water, even in the form of fish and snail waste, minerals are being added to the water daily. That's one reason for water changes right?
BUT I also have another plan I need to fill you in on that has a bearing on what will be going on chemically speaking. I intend to add some terrestrials to the top of the tank to soak up some of those lovely nitrates that aquatic plants don't consume so well. Now... water changes are something I might be able to throw out the window more or less. I'm not trying to be lazy, just more automated.
Okay... I'm ready to release the hounds. Let's try to keep the conversation more scientific and less opinionated if we can
[Trumpet Sounds] GO!
I have never used RO/DI water; I do not have an RO/DI unit. I do know that this strips the water of pretty much everything including minerals. This is a question of theory, and it will likely cause a debate. I'm okay with that
Here's what I'm thinking about and putting out to the masses for discussion...
I was thinking about creating an automatic top off system for my tanks. I don't have a well, so this is plain old Paxton tap water I am working with. So, rather than using a bucket and siphon, I was thinking about buying an RO/DI unit to install inline to feed an auto top off system. The plumbing part should be simple enough... float + valve + water with enough pressure = auto top off. There's no reason to debate the plumbing design... I don't think so anyway.
The question is: How would this affect the aquarium's water long-term? Would I need to supplement minerals being stripped from the top off water? I ask because when I think about the aquarium as a relatively closed system, it seems like many of the minerals would just remain in the water unless they are removed through water changes or consumed by plants. Kh, for instance, should not change much, but over time I would expect for it to drop gradually if I don't supplement minerals to keep it up. Addition of fish food does increase the mineral content of the aquarium's water, even in the form of fish and snail waste, minerals are being added to the water daily. That's one reason for water changes right?
BUT I also have another plan I need to fill you in on that has a bearing on what will be going on chemically speaking. I intend to add some terrestrials to the top of the tank to soak up some of those lovely nitrates that aquatic plants don't consume so well. Now... water changes are something I might be able to throw out the window more or less. I'm not trying to be lazy, just more automated.
Okay... I'm ready to release the hounds. Let's try to keep the conversation more scientific and less opinionated if we can
[Trumpet Sounds] GO!