Newbie question

[rdursch]

When doing a large WC, do I need to use RO/DI? I use it for top offs. Or can I just use the RO water for a large change?

[Sueet]

When doing a large WC, do I need to use RO/DI? I use it for top offs. Or can I just use the RO water for a large change?

Not only can you, but you SHOULD if you have it available... tap water is of course easier, but as with most things..... less effort, less benefit... most tap water contains a great many trace elements that would be much more beneficial to your tank if left out. Luck to you.

[rdursch]

Not only can you, but you SHOULD if you have it available... tap water is of course easier, but as with most things..... less effort, less benefit... most tap water contains a great many trace elements that would be much more beneficial to your tank if left out. Luck to you.

But, is just the RO ok? I am on a well, so that is NO GOOD! I have an RO/DI unit. DI takes so long and I am doing a 25% change on a 90g tank. Algea is a HUGE problem right now. Massive bloom I have not been able to get under control. I think it's Phytoplankton. I use DT's live. My brother watched the tank while I was on vacation and....

[Reefland]

The only way to tell would be to know what your RO water tested at versus your RO/DI water. However, if your talking about attacking an algae problem then your best course of action to dilute whatever nutrient is causing it would be to use RO/DI water for your changes and rest easy knowing your new water isn't likely to help feed the fire.

Scott Z.

[Ninong]

But, is just the RO ok? I am on a well, so that is NO GOOD! I have an RO/DI unit. DI takes so long...

Just R.O. would be fine unless it is the source of phosphates and silicates. R.O./D.I. does a better job removing these than just plain R.O. For most people, plain R.O. water would be OK, certainly much better than tapwater, but some people have water sources high in silicates and phosphates and need to have it run through that D.I. step, too.

[rdursch]

Thank you all for your assistance. I wasn't sure if it would be worth the time and waiting for the re-charge of the RO/DI. This is a pretty hefty WC and it will take me about two days to get it all in the big container and then cure it.

BTW, how long ahead could I possible make up a batch of sw for a WC?

:*

[Ninong]

Thank you all for your assistance. I wasn't sure if it would be worth the time and waiting for the re-charge of the RO/DI. This is a pretty hefty WC and it will take me about two days to get it all in the big container and then cure it.

BTW, how long ahead could I possible make up a batch of sw for a WC?

:*

It is best to age your saltwater for at least three days before using it -- a full week would be even better. Fossa & Nilsen recommend a full week but I sometimes cheat and use it after only three days. (P.S. -- Do NOT believe what the salt mix manufacturers tell you on the bag/bucket about how soon you can use it. They don't know what they're talking about. More likely they do, but they don't want to put anything on their product that might cause you to buy somebody else's product. Rule No. 1: Never say anything that might hurt sales.)