Anyone using water softened tapwater in their reef?

[Proteus]

Ecspesially now when you TDS is 200 ppm. For that size of tank its cheap to use ro.

It's not absolutely necessary but if the options there I'd choose ro

[Beverly]

Have been in the hobby for years and know the benefits of RO. Absolutely don't want to get into the great debate about RO vs. tap. Sorry guys

Ross, we're hooking the water softener up to both hot and cold after doing serious research on the benefits to dishwashers, clothes washers, hot-water-on-demand hot water heaters and plumbing systems in general, so using only cold water will not help in my situation.

What about folks who live on acreages that use a water softener? Any comments from you?

Again, TIA

[gobytron]

Doesn't a water softener simply exchange calcium and magnesium for sodium through ion exchange?

As long as you're not using a chemical softener like borax or something, you should be fine.

[Gizmoh]

I used softened water for a while in my reef with no ill effects!

[Seriak]

Well there is the following link that says no:

http://www.aquarium-pond-answers.com....html#softener

But from what I have read about people's experiences, they have found no problems with using water softeners, but most use them before a RO filter anyways. It will actually be a benefit to your RO membranes and you will have no problems with your top off. Not sure about your tap water for the initial setup.

[Beverly]

Hi Seriak,

I was intending to use water softened water for setting up the 25g and for water changes, then use store-bought RO for top up (Canadian Tire sells 5g for about $2.00).

The link you provided states definitely to NOT use water softened water for SW. Okay. So that's the answer. Not what I was hoping for, but that's the answer nontheless. Thanks

So the question we have to answer now is whether or not to buy an RO unit or give up the 25g.

[goldie]

I used to be on well water and had a water softener and my tank did well. I used the water softener salt you get from canadian tire.

[nrosdal]

soft water will in no way hurt your tank (it just has lower hardness and calcium levels then untreated water. which is good for everything in your home except the tank).. just use it like you would normal water and add a bit more kalk to your top off and you will be good.

did you know that r/o water is better for your tank??

[Megalodon]

Test your tap water water for phosphates, nitrates, and copper.

[paddyob]

I believe your drinking water supply is not soft water.


My folks have it, worst shower water ever, and if you drink it, it tastes horrible.

Their kitchen sink is hard water.