Mineral Water Instead Of Ro Water?

[ChrissyBoy]

As a follow up to another thread I recently posted with regards to whether it's worth buying an RO system; I need to ask another question with regards to this. Thought it deserved it's own topic as I want to get the best advice possible.

I've been advised that you could use bottled mineral water for water changes instead of using RO water and tap water. However, I was advised to check the mineral composition of the particular brand of water I was using to check whether it's suitable.

The reason I'm doing this is to lower the GH of my tank water. Therefore, I don't want to get mineral water with high calcium values etc which would defy the point of bothering. However, I don't know what a high calcium value is! Anyone know?

Also, are there any particular minerals present in mineral water that I should look to avoid?

How much of each mineral should the water ideally have?

Or, does all this not matter?

Most importantly, is it safe to use mineral water?

Thanks for reading guys, any suggestions comments will be greatly appreciated.

 

[ChrissyBoy]

No takers? lol

 

[ChrissyBoy]

Na?

 

[fluttermoth]

Well; all the mineral water I've ever seen would only raise your pH and hardness. They contain a lot of dissolved minerals, hence 'mineral water'.

I don't know enough to know the actual levels you want to be looking at, but I don't think bottled waters are the answer to your problems. Have you thought about using rain water? That's naturally soft and should be fine to use unless live in a very built up area.