Initial Tank Fill

[Motherboard]

Hey all,

Have a quick question but hears the scoop first.

I'm planning a reef tank: 225 gal tank, 50 gal Mud sump/fuge, not sure 'bout lighting yet and I may put a 40-50 gal Tidal Flats fuge in the master bedroom upstairs connected to the main tank (unsure yet, still have to work the logistics of that). I'll also have an automatic water change and refill set-up using RO water.

After reading the "Miracle Mud" thread and visiting http://www.inlandreef.com/Testing/MManalysis.html

I'm curious about using my tap water for the initial fill vs. the slow week+ fill using the RO water. If the Mud, and I don't like using Miracle either, is high in silicates, would it be ok to use my Rocky Mountain tap water for the initial fill? Is the chlorine the only thing I would need to treat for if I did this?

I figured the initial cycle and addition of macro algea to the system/fuge would take care of any other trace elements in the system.

Thanks for the help.

[Motherboard]

oh and I forgot to add that I'll be using live rock (bout 200#'s) and a 2-3" live sand DSB.

[leebca]

WELCOME TO REEFLAND. I think you'll find it a pleasant and helpful atmosphere here!

In my opinion there are too many unknowns and thus too many risks to using tap water. You're putting a lot of money into this system, what's a little more to do the safe, low-risk thing?

Tap water has many variables. You may want to give this a read:

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/issues/jan2004/chem.htm

[Motherboard]

Thx for the info Lee. I figured as much about the tap water, but wanted more opinions.

I've recently changed my LFS to one that's much better however further away from my house. And as much good info as I've recieved from them they started treating me like crap and got very defensive when asked questions about the setup and care of a reef tank. This info was just one of the many opinions I've recieved from them that I want to verify.

BTW. Anyone recommend a good freshwater forum?

[Frogfish]

The first thing you absolutely must get for any kind of reef/saltwater tank is...

PATIENCE

Just think, once you take a week to fill the tank you get to put your sand and live rock in the tank. Then you get to wait SIX weeks before doing anything else.

Patience is definately a virtue. Don't try to shortcut things or you will end up with bigger problems later on. Let the RO fill the tank... drink the tap water instead.

[Saltwaterhobby]

Very true what you said frogfish. I wasn't patience when I first started my tank and end up loosing about $200!