Water changes and topoff

ggmichael · 01-29-2007, 06:48 PM

We have the RO unit all set up for the reef tank and hubby aerates it and heats it, then transfers to another barrel where he adds salt. For my FW tank though, I would like to use the RO water for topoffs and water changes but not sure that is best. Can I use the RO water and do I need add some buffer or other treatment and is the process any different for topoffs vs. water changes (like it is for reef)? Help please, thanks so much -- GG

Tommy Gun · 01-29-2007, 06:52 PM

GG,

In general, RO water is not the best for a freshwater fish tank if used as the only source of water. The problem is that RO water, as well as distilled or any other pure water source, does not contain the minor and trace elements that your freshwater fish will need. To add to that a bit, the reason that saltwater tanks do better with RO water is because the salt mixes contain all of those minor and trace elements in the proper amounts. However, there are product that you can use to add those elements back to RO water for use in a freshwater tank, otherwise it is also pretty common for aquarists to mix RO water and tap water in order to control the pH, Gh, or Kh for one reason or another.

ggmichael · 01-29-2007, 06:58 PM

yeah that's what I read -- mix the RO with tap, I just will need to test the water and figure out what works for my little bitty 12 gal tank. Thanks!