Where to get water tested

[cvrle1]

Hey, I got a water sample that I would like to bring in and get teted to see if it can be used for my aquarium. It is one of those water filters that is installed for drinking water next to the rgular faucet.

Here is the info sheet on it:

http://www.aquasana.com/Performance+sheet.pdf

By looking at it, it sounds like it should work, but just wanted to get all of the parameters checked just to be sure.

So back to the question, who would do a free test for all of the parameters (or for a small fee) J&L, Big Al's, Pauls aquarium, someone else?

Thanks for the help

[BCOrchidGuy]

The best a fish store can check for is the same stuff you can check for at home with a couple of test kits. Our water here in the lower mainland is pretty good so most filters have extra long life spans. J&L and Pauls (I think) sell the Tap Water Purifier, it's a DI filter that works wonders. The filter you are asking about seems to be okay. Remember a lot of what that filter is removing can be removed with a high quality carbon (which most filters use) Heavy metals, lead copper etc are the things you want to watch for but most of these can be bound with a water conditioner and removed again with carbon.
I did a quick google search on the filter and it says it removes the nasties with out the minerals in the water. I'd be cautious of it for that fact alone. It probably is an Ion Exchange filter or a simple floss/carbon system.
Buy an RO/DI unit if you want really good water, or the Tap Water Purifier will give you excellent water as well and it will last a good long time given our local water conditions.

Doug

[cvrle1]

anyone know where I could take the water? I know i can buy the test kits and do it my self, but I would rather have a store do it so then I am 100% sure if it's good or not.

[Willow]

try ocean aquatics in ladner.

Unit 5 7550 76th st Delta, BC V4G 1K6
604-940-1988

call ahead to make sure james is around.

[martym]

Call the city of surrey, they will be able to tel you or look it up in the yellow pages. lots of people put in wells and need to have that water tested. It is not cheap though. Like bcorchidguy said, our water is pretty good. If you do want a filter get a r/o with di. They are not too badly price on e-bay. Try to find the local one, I think it is called aquasafe. That's what I have and I think it's great. I use it in my tanks and for my drinking water. Never had a problem, and the tanks love it. JMO

[Dopey]

I don't know if you can do it in BC but in ontario you can take water samples to the public laboratories and they can test it there for you....