if i have a water softener

[zacheyp]

can i still use tap water

 

[TLTGF]

Not the same as using RO/DI. I wouldn't recommend Tap water (even softened) unless you want to deal with lots of algae issues.

 

[mysticeel]

A water softener uses a different type of salt to soften the water....it does not purify the water...

 

[zacheyp]

what is rodi
can i use distilled water

 

[TLTGF]

RO/DI = reverse osmosis and deionization

Distilled water can be used in a pinch, but it is typically more expensive than RO. Usually Meijer or Walmart type stores have a RO unit in the store and will provide water for $0.29 / gallon.

 

[Jsmith79]

You can also get your own RO/DI unit and make your own they are not too expensive.

 

[mysticeel]

The company that installed our softener also installed our RO unit. You will need a food grade barrel to store the water in.

 

[Jsmith79]

I installed my own RO/DI unit, it was pretty easy, and it came with a 3 gallon tank, but when I do a water change I just have a dedicated to fish only 32 gallon rubbermaid garbage can I put 30 gallons in, and mix the salt right in the barrel. I'm pretty new to this, so maybe someone else has a better idea, but it works good for me.

 

[Jsmith79]

Oh yeah Carey has a link to a RO/DI unit that you hook up just when u use it, and it was quite a bit cheaper than the one I bought.

 

[zacheyp]

Can someone please give a THOROUGH explanation on what todo is and what it costs

 

[zacheyp]

will distilled water work