Can you ever use tap water

[cac]

I am going to start seeding some base rock this week. Since this will be 80% base rock and 20% live rock in a container in the garage, is it possible to use regular tap water instead of using RODI water?
Thanks-
CAC

[malofish]

I used tao for a two years till I joined MAAST, hell I'm still using tap!! My next tank will use only ro/di water though! A long as you don't have a water softenre you should be fine. I know some else is gonn a jump in and say no!!but thats your thing!!

[Instar]

If you like lots of algae and extra things dying, use tap. If you want long term success, use RO/DI. The average TOC is around 500 (in New Braunfels I believe is a little higher) from the aquifer + the junk the water company adds. Since that is not in your control and done without your knowledge, you have no idea what days are the better days and what days are really bad. I killed cultures and 40 baby clowns trying that with just a couple top offs. Not long ago someone on here was crying the blues cause everything he had died. It came down to him using tap water. About 2 months ago I visited someone else who had all his corals die. It took a little whole to kill his tank, but, it did. I doubt he will ever use tap again. Its easier on the things you keep to learn from these guys IMO. When the RO unit doesn't work and even half that stuff gets thru, the hair and bubble algae will drive you nuts if you don't like that stuff.

[MikeP]

I agree - unless you have a consistent water quality you are really playing russian roulette.

My biggest complaint though with RO/DI systems is all the waste though - high rejection / low waste units seem pretty pricey - I'm currently using a 4 stage spectrapure unit.

[GaryP]

I just run the drain hose out into the garden. My Hygrangenia loves the waste water from the RO unit.

Gary

[cac]

Figured that tap water would not be the best idea. I have heard of putting the waste water into the washing machine. I am not handy with plumbing but that sounds like it is a pretty good idea. Guess it would work best if the unit was set up next to the washing machine. Rather than running hoses everywhere.

[Tim Marvin]

I run the waste line into my pond. It really isn't waste as it is called, but rather water that just did not go throught the membrane. It has gone through the pre filter and carbon so it is better than tap... Pretty funny huh, I'd rather drink waste water than tap water...LOL.....

[prof]

I ran tap with no problems for years. Austin water is pretty good. You are running a higher risk by using unfiltered water. I have recently switched to RO/DI.

[Instar]

Prof - someone just moved there and did one water change with tap and killed everything. All that copper and iron (and other things) bulds up in your system. Sooner or later its going to bite. Its possible your distict does or did something to take all that out for the moment, but, I wouldn't depend on it. They don't have to in order to pass drinking water standards. Good thing you switched.

[StephenA]

Our tanks have been much more stable with the RO/DI. WE bought a Dual home/reef model. I have still used tap in a pinch. When the tank busted I only had about 30 gallons of salt so I had to mix some up fast. I replaced it over the next week with all RO/DI. We got ours at http://www.airwaterice.com/home_reef.htm

[brewercm]

I just bought one from this guy on ebay. Can't give my actual opinion of his product since I haven't recieved mine yet.
Georgeortiz on this board recently bought one from him though and has been pleased with it, he recommended them to me. I believe he said he tested his water after running through the system and it read a 1 on his TDS meter. Not a bad system for $94.50 shipped if you buy it with buy it now.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2386525831&category=46 310

[StephenA]

Get one with a tank, Makes it much more usable for other things! It also makes top offs go much faster.

[brewercm]

They also have the ones with the tanks. I believe it's about $20 more on average and about $5 more shipping.