Tap Water Vancouver, BC

biocube604 · #1 03-30-2007, 05:26 AM

Has anyone successfully used tap water for a reef tank? What are the consequences if used. I'm not sure if I really need to buy a RO.

andresont · #2 03-30-2007, 05:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by biocube604

Has anyone successfully used tap water for a reef tank? What are the consequences if used. I'm not sure if I really need to buy a RO.

If your target is hair algae go right ahead.

andsoitgoes · #3 03-30-2007, 06:05 AM

There are a few here that do, I know of one in particular - I wouldn't risk it, for the paltry 100 bucks for even cleaner water to ensure there's NO risk, I think it's worth the expenditure. However, to each their own - s'up to you in the end!

daddy01 · #4 03-30-2007, 04:02 PM

Hi,
I used tap water for about 3 months here in Surrey for my tanks FOWL and then switched to reef type tank had my water checked and the TDS was 70PPm so bought a filter and only got it down to 25..so used my wifes under the sink filter and it was .03PPm..so now that is what I used.
While I was changing water over I lost a few fish and corals.
Jim

Buddyboy · #5 03-30-2007, 04:28 PM

How big is your tank biocube604? If it's just a nano, you could pick up a Tap Water Purifier for cheap. I'm using one on my 38G reef. Not as good as a big RO/DI, but it does the trick! (for now)

chujai · #6 04-04-2007, 05:16 AM

i have a reef... 16 gal, LPS and some pulsating xenia ... i use only tap water, with conditioner, and everything growing very well...

but im in ottawa... i dont think the quality is that much different, if not better in vancouver

skylord · #7 04-04-2007, 07:47 AM

My brother in laws tank (in Port Coquitlam) has been up for over 3 yrs and all he uses is tap water. He lets it sit for a couple of hours and dumps it in. He has no problems at all with it and he could walk across the street and get filtered water at no cost from me...go figure.

fishmaster · #8 04-04-2007, 03:12 PM

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.

BC564 · #9 04-04-2007, 03:39 PM

I have a 20 gal nano and use tap water......I pre mix my water changes a few days in advance but every day I top off with tap water approx. 1 litre...
The tank and critters, corals are all doing fine....the tank is just over 6 months old. I will buy an RO unit one day...just really havent gotten around to it.