Using Filtered Water... Is It A Good Idea?

[nightlite]

Hi all
I was wondering ... I've been using filtered drinking water (filter has activated carbon) is this a good idea? or should I use tap water (with water conditioner)?

thanks

 

[Themuleous]

I would cut it with tap water, pure water lacks all the minerals and other trace elements that plants only require in small quantities but are vital to proper growth. If you do use the filtered water, mix with tap at a ratio of around 1:3 or 1:4, i.e 25 or 20% tap with 75 or 80% filtered.

Why are you wanting to filter it, to lower the hardness? An RO unit would be a better and possibly cheaper option.

Sam

 

[nightlite]

just trying to avoid having to add chemicals to remove the cholrine..

 

[Themuleous]

Only way to do this is to use an RO unit with DI pod, this removes 99.99% of all the stuff in water, basically giving you pure H2O. Adding API electroright or kent RO right to bring the GH and KH up would be the only way to avoid adding dechlorinator.

Sam

 

[Sibelius]

why? does dechlorinator have disadvantages?

 

[nurglespuss]

nope, in fact dechlorinator removes not only chlorine (which will eventually evaporate off anyway) it also removes chloramine, and unlocks some harmful compounds into less harmful metals.

 

[Underwurlde]

I'm intreagued as well.... The only thing I can think of is potential release of Ammonia from Chloramine, but good dechlors bind Ammonia as well anyway...

 

[crazie.eddie]

If you're using RO/DI filter, then you need to put the minerals back into the water it removed. If you're using those cheap filters that you put over the faucet, then it should be safe. Just keep in mind, those cheap filters are made to filter enough water for drinking. If you use them for aquarium water changes, you will need to replace them more often.

If you're tap water is city water then it should be safe for water changes. Using dechlorinators (Prime preferred) is allot cheaper and easier to use than using a filter. If you have well water, then it may contain more minerals or ammonia, etc., that could be dangerous to the fish. Then it would be feasible for you to use filtered water.