New Tank

[keith00]

Hi,

I will shortly be setting up a 60 gallon planted tank and wondered about using RO water for the initial fill and for water changes. I already have the RO unit for my reef tank.

My lfs uses the waste water from its RO filter for fish only tanks and suggested a mix of 8:2 RO to tap water. Does this sound reasonable or can I use 100% RO waste water?

Presumably if RO waste water is used I would not have to add any conditioners?

 

[Themuleous]

I wouldn't use 100% RO, as you'll know from the reef, you have to add the minerals back into RO water. Fish need the minerals and things that RO units take out. I cut my RO water 75/25 with tap, so your suggested 8:2 sounds about right. You could indeed use the waste RO water but don't forget that it'll be more concentrated than the tap water as is contains all the stuff taken out of the product water, which is why the LFS probably suggested 8:2.

The only conditioner I like to add once the water is mixed is dechlorinator.

Sam

 

[keith00]

Thanks Sam.

I am a bit confused though as to why you use a dechlorinator as I thought the reason for using a pre-filter and carbon block was to remove the chlorine so that it did not damage the membrane.

 

[keith00]

Oh dear I have just realised that you add 25% tap water hence the dechlorinator.

Have you any experience with 100% RO waste? Do you think it really needs to be cut?

 

[Themuleous]

No cant said I do because you should never use 100% RO water even for discus. Fish need for their survival a certain level of minerals in the water.

Do you know your tap water gh?

Sam

 

[keith00]

Sam,

You misunderstand I was asking about 100% RO waste not 100% RO.

I will measure my tap gH nearer the time of the set up, probably the end of April.

 

[Themuleous]

Oh right sorry, no cant say I use the waste water either, but guess it would make sense.

Sam