diatoms

[paulF]

okay the diatom bloom was just starting to die down, then i did a 10 gallon water change (55g tank) with bottled water and its worse than ever!! i guees i have to break down and get that ro/di unit now huh?

[hooked]

I battle that all the time since I have no ro/di unit. The phosphates and silicates are the problem. I tried some distilled water and I will see how that does.

[beach bum]

They are pretty normal for a new tank, if you continue to use distilled or RO/DI they will die down, I wouldn't stress about it.

jmo, fwiw, ymmv,

[tdwyatt]

Originally posted by paulF
okay the diatom bloom was just starting to die down, then i did a 10 gallon water change (55g tank) with bottled water and its worse than ever!! i guees i have to break down and get that ro/di unit now huh?

There is a difference between bottled water for drinking and distilled water, and even with some distilled water, there may be trace amounts of copper (not supposed to be, but some brands do) Bottled water that does not have "distilled water, USP" on it may contain any number of ions in it, as it is usually filtered water for particulates and (occasionally) filtered with activated carbon to produce the product. Distilled water USP must meet the United States Pharmacopea standards for distilled water, and by that definition, will be more than adequate for your reef. More often than not, bottled water that days for drinking means that it is safe to drink only, nothing else.

HTH

[seahawkjohnny]

Originally posted by hooked
I battle that all the time since I have no ro/di unit. The phosphates and silicates are the problem. I tried some distilled water and I will see how that does.

Jim....


I dont have an ro/di unit either, there is a purified water store close by my house, thier product is actually more refined than a typical ro/di can get

It runs me 40 cents a gallon....heres thier website if you're interested


http://www.watertogo.com/index.htm

[hooked]

I wish I had one around me but I can't find one My wife will kill me if I spend anymore money on this tank anytime soon.

[hooked]

Hey Tom, I went to 3 stores trying to find ro water and only one store carried distilled. I must have bad luck in my area

[FLHT]

Most stores have a R/O water unit in the store.
You know the self serve type. It is usally good
water. On distilled water I've never had a problem
but, I've always bought the name brand not
the cheaper generic.

About the wife & money pssssst -I've got something
to tell ya---DON'T tell her about all the expense!
When my bride asks those silly types of questions
I tell her one of two things the "truth" or a "lie".
It works great!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[hooked]

LOL, good thing for me I handle the books. But when she sees a new toy she wants money so whatever I buy times that by 2.

[SteveNichols]

If water is a problem in your area and you make coffe, tea, or straight water drinking; sell her on the idea that a 75 gpd unit will supply the water you drink, make great ice cubes and tastes great. Works for my house!