Do you Use RODI water?

[CM125]

I went through the search and cant find an answer to my questions. Mainly do I need RODI water? But also why? and is it proven to be better? I live in Airdrie so we use Calgary water supply. Both tanks seem to have some algae issues since our move and I haven't been able to curb it. My tap water tests fine but maybe there is something im missing. I added the poll because they are fun and im curious. Please post if you have actually seen a difference.

[chef]

It's a no-brainer. Especially if you have coral.I wasn't very happy about dropping over $300 for a unit, but way worth it in the long run.

[Dearth]

The problem is with tap water most cities and townships add trace chemicals to the water to help keep it safe to drink and depending on where you live there can be anything from heavy metal traces to chlorine to copper and so on.

The tap water may be perfectly safe to use but at the same time with RO and RODI water we get to control the variables and with tap water you might be able to use for years on end but that one time could cost you dearly. Most of those who use RO and RODI water will probably agree that it is better to control the factors and not leave it to chance because realistically we have a lot invested in our tanks I would rather be safe than sorry.

[hillegom]

What's your TDS? Here in the lower mainland, we have between 10-18 TDS, depending on the season. I don't think we really need RODI, but I wanted RO as well for drinking, no chlorine.

[CM125]

Originally Posted by chef

It's a no-brainer. Especially if you have coral.I wasn't very happy about dropping over $300 for a unit, but way worth it in the long run.

You say that, but why? what is in the water that I need to filter out, I don't have issues with things dying or suffering, only algae

Originally Posted by hillegom

What's your TDS? Here in the lower mainland, we have between 10-18 TDS, depending on the season. I don't think we really need RODI, but I wanted RO as well for drinking, no chlorine.

4-7

[hillegom]

I think you should check your meter. I heard Calgary water was around 200?

[jhj0112]

I'm following this thread closely.. My tap water TDS is from 8-14ppm..
I know this has been discussed many times here in GVRD..

some says it makes difference in coral growth.. some says they are fine without one..

I have not used it yet. I can't justify spending money to take out 14ppm....

[CM125]

Originally Posted by hillegom

I think you should check your meter. I heard Calgary water was around 200?

Hopefully someone else from Calgary chimes in, but I have heard Calgary is one of the best water sources in the country.

[Aquattro]

Originally Posted by CM125

Hopefully someone else from Calgary chimes in, but I have heard Calgary is one of the best water sources in the country.

It's good water, but lots of minerals. Most people there report really high TDS.

However, the point of RO is consistency and insurance. There's always the possibility of something getting into the water mains and wiping out your collection of corals. Until then, you're probably fine running tap water. Mostly. Lots do without tank implosions. For me, it's worth the extra peace of mind.

[gregzz4]

Originally Posted by CM125

I went through the search and cant find an answer to my questions

Have a look here The City of Calgary - Water quality parameters

All that stuff is going into your tank without using at least an RO system. RODI would be better as I see your TDS is on average 177-294 according to the list.

Sure the #s are small, but I wouldn't want to be adding to my tank;
- aluminum, arsenic, cadmium, chlorine, chromium, copper, fluoride, nitrites, nitrates ...
The list goes on

We have similar stuff in our water here in the GVRD (my tap TDS averages below 10), and I use an RO system that takes it to 0 TDS.
Makes me feel better about my tank, even though I drink my tapwater