Tap water and the RO filter

NYer · 07-16-2006, 07:52 AM

Hi I am moving into a new home on Tues. (right by a lake

) and I was hoping I can use the tap water for my tank.

This is a gated community and they probably treat the water because I think it comes from the lake.

Can I use the tap and is their an easy no worry way to treat it myself?

If not I read about the RO filters but do they make in expensive ones because I dont want to drop a lot on it?

Can I get one and devote it to the fish tank (90 gallons) ?
How big are they?

Thanks Ed

tims · 07-16-2006, 08:36 AM

hi Ed,
i woudl strongly recommend using an RO filter system. you can look at the sponors here or on Ebay to see them .most are rather small and compact and you can hang it right on the wall . having the water collect in to a carboy for later use is a good idea.
but when you are looking keep a good eye on the ones you are thinking, post a picture and ask, many members including my self use them.

NYer · 07-16-2006, 08:38 AM

I have a friend that is selling an RO filter wants $100 bucks for it but he said it is huge like a water tank for a home with a well ?

tims · 07-16-2006, 08:44 AM

at that price i woudl take a look and see what it is about and get it. if you can do your whole house then go for it, if not you have a great system for your tank(s)!!!
that is a wonderful price .. try and get a few pictures of it or the type of system ( name of it)

ask him when he has changed the filters for it? or how often. did he use a TDS meter to see if it was producing good RO water from it....

NYer · 07-16-2006, 08:45 AM

I will talk to him tonight thanks Tims

tims · 07-16-2006, 08:46 AM

no a problem Ed.
that is a great price. find ou why he is getting rid of it too.

NYer · 07-16-2006, 08:51 AM

He told me his well ran dry (into his basement) and now it is real sour and he can't maintain PH on his water (Very upset by this) and is subsequently getting out of the hobby all together.

tims · 07-16-2006, 08:54 AM

hmmmm
well if he is getting out, pick up as much from him as you can. salt , ro system, test kits etc... then.
if he can not keep his ph ( in his tank ?) then he may need a buffer to help stabizlie it.

Doug1 · 07-16-2006, 08:56 AM

That sounds more like a water softener than an RO unit

NYer · 07-16-2006, 08:56 AM

He is giving me all that stuff. He has been using buffer but he said it is getting out of hand and he lost all his corals although his fish seem ok.
Could you look in tank specs at what I got and tell me if there is ANYTHING I need.

NYer · 07-16-2006, 08:58 AM

He also has an awesome 180 gallon full set up he is selling almsot dirt cheap, but I don't have the room for it

He live about an hour or so north of NYC if anyone is interested.
I think it is a FULL reef set up all that is needed is to buy corals and he wants I think $900

tims · 07-16-2006, 08:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doug1

That sounds more like a water softener than an RO unit

did not think about that!

Ed if it is a softner then he will have a hard time keeping the ph right.
you woudl still have to look at an RO unit then

NYer · 07-16-2006, 09:00 AM

I shall investigate!