[fishmaster]

I'm not in Van, but here's my 2 cents. My reef is only 4 months old and all I've used so far is tap water. No problems. Yes I have some algae, but I also have an assortment of critter that keep it in check...so far. I had a decent diatom bloom when I first introduced my "custodian package". They had that tank clean in 2 days. I find the blue legged hermits to be the best. They are mean and will kill each other for no good reason(lots of empty shells laying around for them), but clean like no other. The cerith snails seem to be the best snails. Turbo's can be killed if they fall on their backs, they can't rite them selves too well. I also have an emerald crab who eats the bigger stuff, a lawnmower blenny, and yellow tang who both eat algae. I think as the summer comes and the resivoir "turns over", and the water levels get lower, the levels of nutriens in our water will climb. I've got an ro/di unit i can hook up if it becomes a problem. Right now, I wouldn't want to starve my cleaning crew..he,he,he.