Fresh water 101

Thanks so much V. That was a very helpful post. Didnt know about that small of a canister, I really like that look more than a hang on back. Since its going to be sitting on my desk, can I just use a spiral compact fluorescent bulb in a desk lamp? In salt water, we use those 6700k bulbs grow out or chaeto. Also, what's a good site to buy dry ferts from?
Lastly, I was planning on using the same RO/DI water that I use for my salt water tank. I am originally on a well but, the RO/DI takes everything out of the water, is that going to be okay?
 
scottdwh said:
Thanks so much V. That was a very helpful post. Didnt know about that small of a canister, I really like that look more than a hang on back. Since its going to be sitting on my desk, can I just use a spiral compact fluorescent bulb in a desk lamp? In salt water, we use those 6700k bulbs grow out or chaeto. Also, what's a good site to buy dry ferts from?
Lastly, I was planning on using the same RO/DI water that I use for my salt water tank. I am originally on a well but, the RO/DI takes everything out of the water, is that going to be okay?
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Here is where I would get the ferts from. You should be ok using the RO/DI just make sure the fish are acclimated to it becuase you water will be very nice.
 
I'd actually be worried about using RO/DI water. Removing too much from the water can cause problems for most freshwater species. Plants generally do better with a little something to chew on and buffer the pH. If the well water is reasonable just use that straight. What's the GH, KH, pH, etc of the well water?

Using the desklamp as a light source will work, provided the light is directly above the tank. Plants grow toward the light, so if it is of the the side you'll have a whole bunch of diagonal plants. For plants it's generally recommended to use the 5000K - 6000K, but higher or lower K values will still work it just effects the growth rates and plant habit.
 
Not sure all the params of the well water, but I do know the TDS is way high around 450 and I do have alot of iron in my water. Maybe I can just use the RO water and dont run it through the DI. Thanks for all the help so far guys. I was kind of leery about setting this up but thinking I would need CO2 and all this other special stuff but it seems like it shouldnt be very difficult. I just need to start reading up on all the ferts.

These pics I found online are something that I want to model my tank after.
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Figured I would include a shot of my salt water tank. It's been kind of neglected lately and not looking the best.
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THE V said:
I'd actually be worried about using RO/DI water. Removing too much from the water can cause problems for most freshwater species. Plants generally do better with a little something to chew on and buffer the pH. If the well water is reasonable just use that straight. What's the GH, KH, pH, etc of the well water?

Using the desklamp as a light source will work, provided the light is directly above the tank. Plants grow toward the light, so if it is of the the side you'll have a whole bunch of diagonal plants. For plants it's generally recommended to use the 5000K - 6000K, but higher or lower K values will still work it just effects the growth rates and plant habit.
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If he is going to run ferts that will replace most of the missing things. Fish will do just fine in the RO/DI water IMO.
 
goalieman59 said:
If he is going to run ferts that will replace most of the missing things. Fish will do just fine in the RO/DI water IMO.
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Not true at all. Adding ferts only adds a small amount of what is needed back into the water. You still need all the other stuff for GH and KH.

If you are worried about TDS you can mix the RO/DI water 50/50 with your tap water or find the percentages that work for you. Personally I would go 100% tap. Our water here in socal is rock hard and the TDS is through the roof also, but it hasnt affected any of the fish or plants I have ever had.
 
247Plants said:
Not true at all. Adding ferts only adds a small amount of what is needed back into the water. You still need all the other stuff for GH and KH.

If you are worried about TDS you can mix the RO/DI water 50/50 with your tap water or find the percentages that work for you. Personally I would go 100% tap. Our water here in socal is rock hard and the TDS is through the roof also, but it hasnt affected any of the fish or plants I have ever had.
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That is why I leave most of the answering up to the experts. :bowing:
 
in the event he does use his hard water and has a bad experience he can always reconstitute from ro/di also. barr's gh booster, seachem replenish, or seachem equilibrium will all work to re-establish gh. for kh there's always baking soda or if it's better for him crushed coral. the crushed coral will increase gh too though.
 
There's a really good book I saw in Petsmart the other day: I think it was called:
"Fishtanks (or Aquariums) for Idiots". Don't take any offense -- it's just the name of the book, but I kind of thumbed through it a bit -- and seemed to be very comprehensive -- see what you can find out on the internet, but might be worth buying it -- or maybe they have it at your local library,
Mike
 
Where do you want to keep your ph, gh, and kh at in a fresh water tank? I also have a water softener, is that a good thing or a bad thing?
 
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