hmmm...

[digital-audiophile]

Well, to each their own opinion I guess.

I won't even drink Calgary tap water, so I won't even put it in my fresh water tank.

Greg

[sharelove]

do you use the water conditioners? like aqua+? that's what I'm using right now, and from what I understand, I don't have to wait to use the water right out of the tap. I just add the correct amount and I add the tap water directly to my tank.

[Bob I]

Originally Posted by sharelove

do you use the water conditioners? like aqua+? that's what I'm using right now, and from what I understand, I don't have to wait to use the water right out of the tap. I just add the correct amount and I add the tap water directly to my tank.

I know of some people who use the water conditioners. I myself don't, however, My topoff water sits around long enough for the Chlorine to evaporate.

[Tarolisol]

Originally Posted by digital-audiophile

Well, to each their own opinion I guess.

I won't even drink Calgary tap water, so I won't even put it in my fresh water tank.

Greg

You wont drink it, now thats just stupid. Calgary has some of the cleanest water. Ive heard its better water then aquafina.

[OCDP]

Originally Posted by Tarolisol

You wont drink it, now thats just stupid. .

That's a little harsh eh... as stated.. to each their own.

[digital-audiophile]

Sure is a friendly bunch around here eh?

[reeferaddict]

Originally Posted by digital-audiophile

Sure is a friendly bunch around here eh?

No kidding!

You know, I have seen a couple of SPECTACULAR tanks with people using tap water... but I personally can't recommend it. My algae issues were instantly cut in half with the implementation of an RO/DI unit into my system, and I have solved all of my other water chemistry issues by using perfect RO/DI water as the base for all my additives to my tank.

When it comes to the expense of this hobby, don't even get me started. You can keep a 5 gallon nano with a few snails, crabs, rock & mushrooms, and maintain it for real cheap... so it all depends on what you want to keep. My system is probably close to $75 a month in maintenance and upkeep ALONE, never mind whatever I decide to buy to add to it... Even with cutting corners and doing lots of DYI, this is not a hobby for those faint of wallet.

[AndyL]

Originally Posted by Tarolisol

You wont drink it, now thats just stupid. Calgary has some of the cleanest water. Ive heard its better water then aquafina.

Wasn't it aquafina that was "outed" for bottling dechlorinated calgary city water?

Calgary's got great water for reefing, RO/DI is only really necessary for some of the more difficult to keep SPS.

Andy

[Chin_Lee]

Originally Posted by Bob I

Why would you say that I have never used anything but tapwater, and am very happy with the results.

It is appalling that an experienced reefer will imply to newbies that its ok to use tap water with good results. When such a statement is made that contradicts the vast majority of the rest of the reefing community, one should really qualify the positive experience with details such as:
1) the type of livestock that you keep
2) length of time you have been using the particular method
3) a comparsion of your livestock with any other times that you may have used RO/DI water

I'm sure there are many other things that should be noted but at the very least the types of livestock that one is keeping should be provided; there are various levels of resistance to water quality of which also varies by different species of animals. To imply positive results on a practice that is generally unacceptable is irresponsible to the animals that any new hobbyists may injure or kill in the process of following that advice. Although it is noted and acknowledged that you did not blatantly advise anybody to use tapwater, the implication is definitely there based on your positive experience and the length of time that you have been with this bulletin board with an excess of 4300 posts.
In other words, if I was starting out and I saw Bob I with 4300 posts on Canreef and he uses tapwater with good results, I would be inclined to follow that same method. And maybe after losing several colonies of acroporas, do I realize that the phosphates in my tapwater caused the major algae bloom that suffocated my acroporas. Of course, I have only myself to blame for not doing my homework however I would definitely be quite upset for even reading your post when I was starting out in this hobby.
Just my thoughts but I felt it is necessary for those who are starting out to realize that your practice is the exception to the rule and should not be considered the norm.
Sorry for the long winded vent.

[Ruth]

Good point Chin and I agree. I think there are always exceptions out there - like no water changes - no skimming - clams that grow under NO lighting - etc. etc. etc. I think that all of us want to have our home reefs and aquariums flourish and grow and keep our livestock healthy. I know that I have tried some of those (usually cheaper) routes and have met with nothing but failure. If there is one thing that I have learned it is to research for myself and ask lots of questions and really try to balance the answers I get with what makes sense to me. I am glad that there is the odd maverick out there that is willing to go against the norm - that is what keeps our hobby growing and learning but to suggest to someone just starting out that something as basic as water should be experimented with is just not fair. It sets them up to fail and we all know that it can be frustrating enough.
I have 2 large (230g and 190g) and 3 small (12, 24 and 44g) tanks set up. I don't have an RO unit because with the high TDS in my well water and being on a lagoon system it is not feasible. I buy all of my RODI water and haul it by hand. I wouldn't dream of using tap or even untreated town water.
These are just my opinions based on my own experience.