How essential is RO/DI water????

[Instar]

As for your water changes and transitions, do 10% per month. If you are having troubles, 10% per week for a few weeks to 2 months should straighten it out. If you have poisioned your tank horribly, then 10% per day for 10 days. Not more than 10% per day if the frequency is going to be high. Some people do huge water changes, but, if the calcium, alkalinity, salinity and pH are not the same as the new water, you are going to shock some things and kill them with huge water changes.

[Derek B]

Well, I ordered a 6 stage RO/DI unit from Aquasafe after some research on RC. Check this out ... I got a TDS meter, 2 years worth of sediment, carbon and DI replacement cartridges with it for only $155 ... $190 shipped.

I feel sorry fo all of those who spend fortunes for the name brand stuff. Glad I researched it first, because I was painfully close to buying a Kent or Spectrapure unit from Premium Aquatics for well over $200. What a mistake that would have been.

Thanks everyone for all the input. I knew all along I needed an RO/DI, but believed what many said that softened water was ok. I knew it wasn't, but used it as an excuse to justify not spending the money. I am pretty sure it is what is causing my problems. If not, I don't know what I will do :?