Water Change Question

[lee420]

so far ive been using plain dechlorinator and 1 tbsp salt per 5 gal. but im reading everyone posting about prime. is this really neccisary? and would i just treat for amount i add?

 

[techen]

so far ive been using plain dechlorinator and 1 tbsp salt per 5 gal. but im reading everyone posting about prime. is this really neccisary? and would i just treat for amount i add?

Things like Prime and Safe coat have added extras that help stress and such that other dechlorinators don't. So, If you wan't to say money Prime makes you use less and safecoat has extra stuff.

 

[Chad]

My personal opinion is that they aren't necessary. I have used them (prime etc.) and not used them but didn't notice a difference in my fish or tank. No I only use RO/DI water and that has given me a noticeable difference. That said I do use them when I am dealing with large water changes or with sick fish because I do notice a worthwhile difference in those situations.

 

[Yanks15]

My personal opinion is that they aren't necessary. I have used them (prime etc.) and not used them but didn't notice a difference in my fish or tank. No I only use RO/DI water and that has given me a noticeable difference. That said I do use them when I am dealing with large water changes or with sick fish because I do notice a worthwhile difference in those situations.

Please expand on using RO water. Benefits? Cost? What noticeable difference is there with the fish? Maintaining the tank? Process of WC's?


Thanks,
Steve

 

[Chad]

Please expand on using RO water. Benefits? Cost? What noticeable difference is there with the fish? Maintaining the tank? Process of WC's?

This is the short version...(here's someone else's long version)

RO/DI water has zero TDS and it introduces no metals or minerals (such as copper which is harmful to inverts), phosphates or other contaminants to the water. This allows us to better manage the quality. Over time the "extras" in tap water can build up since the heavier elements don't evaporate when the water does. This can (depending on the tank) equal fewer water changes. RO/DI also gives us water with a nice baseline pH (7) that is consistent with each water change and not subject to changes a municipality might make to the process of cleaning the waste water for use or that can happen with well water even after something so simple as a good rain.

When speaking of a reef tank, or a tank with sensitive livestock (some plants, fish, inverts) I say using RO/DI water is a good move if you can manage it.

For me it is one way of removing a degree of risk and uncertainty as well.

Cost can depend on location but is often 12-20 cents a gallon. You can also purchase your own filtration system which is a cost savings in the long run especially if you aren't close to a shop.

Now for one disclaimer: I know people are quite successful with tap/well water and have been using it forever. I used it myself for the first 20 years of fish keeping. So, if you know what's in your tap water and are comfortable with it I'm not saying you are ruining your tank or anything, nor will I chide anyone for not using RO/DI. I just know from my personal experience going from one to the other I noticed better health in my livestock and less work with the algae scrubber.

 

[Yanks15]

Thanks for the info Chad! Food for thought............


Thanks,
Steve

 

[CezzaXV]

Prime is a dechlorinator (amongst other things). Most of us use it because it's super concentrated and so very economical. One 5ml capful treats 200L, whereas most other dechlors would only treat 10-20L for that amount if you're lucky.

What fish do you have? Just curious about the salt since you're posting this in the tropical section rather than the marine section.

 

[lee420]

its an acrican cichlid tank + 1 bristlenose and 1 clown loach