Quote:
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Originally Posted by Bob I
Why would you say that  I have never used anything but tapwater, and am very happy with the results.  |
It is appalling that an experienced reefer will imply to newbies that its ok to use tap water with good results. When such a statement is made that contradicts the vast majority of the rest of the reefing community, one should really qualify the positive experience with details such as:
1) the type of livestock that you keep
2) length of time you have been using the particular method
3) a comparsion of your livestock with any other times that you may have used RO/DI water
I'm sure there are many other things that should be noted but at the very least the types of livestock that one is keeping should be provided; there are various levels of resistance to water quality of which also varies by different species of animals. To imply positive results on a practice that is generally unacceptable is irresponsible to the animals that any new hobbyists may injure or kill in the process of following that advice. Although it is noted and acknowledged that you did not blatantly advise anybody to use tapwater, the implication is definitely there based on your positive experience and the length of time that you have been with this bulletin board with an excess of 4300 posts.
In other words, if I was starting out and I saw Bob I with 4300 posts on Canreef and he uses tapwater with good results, I would be inclined to follow that same method. And maybe after losing several colonies of acroporas, do I realize that the phosphates in my tapwater caused the major algae bloom that suffocated my acroporas. Of course, I have only myself to blame for not doing my homework however I would definitely be quite upset for even reading your post when I was starting out in this hobby.
Just my thoughts but I felt it is necessary for those who are starting out to realize that your practice is the exception to the rule and should not be considered the norm.
Sorry for the long winded vent.