New saltwater tank

[Mijo51380]

Just wanted to know if I could cycle my tank without the use of a RO/DI as I don't have one yet but will buy one in a few weeks?

 

[BigRedsReefs10]

You can by rodi at most lfs and start with that, but don't use tap your asking for trouble

 

[dingusplease]

Just wanted to know if I could cycle my tank without the use of a RO/DI as I don't have one yet but will buy one in a few weeks?

You don't need an ro unit to get ro water - you can usually get it from the LFS if you have an emergency of have a smaller tank.

What were you thinking of cycling the tank with, btw?

 

[Mijo51380]

I was going to use tap water mix with the salt

 

[dingusplease]

I was going to use tap water mix with the salt

I would highly recommend against this -- there are so many problems you are asking for with tap water, one of which being inevitable algae problems.

You said you are getting an ro unit soon, I recommend waiting to start up your tank until you have one. You will save yourself the headache of rushing and using tap water in the long run.

 

[Redwolf91]

I'm about to get lit up for saying this, but I've never used ro water, and unless something changes drastically, probably never will... That being said, I did have my water specialist install a crazy filtration system in the home, so I have very good water quality, verified by lab tests. You really should use a pure water source to start, or, as many will tell you, you are asking for problems. If you decide to go without, best have samples of your water tested by a lab, for everything, before hand so you know what you are getting into. Just an opinion.

Sent from my Z750C using Aquarium Advice mobile app

 

[Bear85]

I would stay away from the tap water ! My rodi messed up and I ended up using high ppm water and I am still fighting the algae after 9 months ! I would say wait for rodi or buy it and test before to make sure you have low ppm !

 

[dingusplease]

I'm about to get lit up for saying this, but I've never used ro water, and unless something changes drastically, probably never will... That being said, I did have my water specialist install a crazy filtration system in the home, so I have very good water quality, verified by lab tests. You really should use a pure water source to start, or, as many will tell you, you are asking for problems. If you decide to go without, best have samples of your water tested by a lab, for everything, before hand so you know what you are getting into. Just an opinion.

Sent from my Z750C using Aquarium Advice mobile app

Sounds like your setup works for you - which is good, but an ro unit is definitely cheaper than an entire home water supply filtration system. If you can verify the purity of your water, as well as whatever components are found in tapwater, you are okay. However not everyone is going to bring their tap water to a lab and have a home filtration system installed.

I still recommend just getting an RODI unit.

 

[Redwolf91]

I have a lot of things I need filtered water for, tank is actually a small amount of it, even at over two hundred gals total. It worked out for me, did a few grand worth of woodwork for him, he made and maintains the system for my water lol. I agree, ro systems are less expensive (I do hate the waste they make though)

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[tylork92]

Probably gonna be flamed on by this but I have talked to several people you use WELL water in their reef setups with 0 issues.

I used my well water in previous freshwater setups with 0 algae problems so yes I am using it for my new SW setup.

I wouldnt recommend tap water if on city water.