NEWBIE question on RO or Tap Water Filters

[Brent]

Im in the planning stages for my first reef aquarium(55gal). Im confused on the proper decision to make of whether to buy my water from the pet store for .40c a gallon or purchase a RO unit such as a Kent Marine, or just use a tap water filter like the AQ. Pharm($31). My question is, is a tap water purifier enough or do I need to use only RO water. This is from the first fill up of the aquarium to all the water changes. Should I use the tap water purifier to fill up the aquarium the first time or go strictly with RO water.

My second question is also about RO units. Seems like the only advantage you receive by having your own is not having to transport water bought from the pet store home. If I read correctly, most RO units waste 4 gallons for every 1 gallon they produce. If this is correct by the time I figure in 55 gallons X 5 then Im cheaper to buy it from the pet store than make it from my tap water. Is this a correct assumption, and what are your recommendations?

Thank you very much for your responses!

 

[VkeSu]

I purchased a cheap one, and it took so long, and wasted so much, I preferred buying it. Look for water company (yellow pages)we used Pure Water, a local water supplier and it was cheaper than a pet store.

 

[kevreh]

<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by Brent:
<strong>Im in the planning stages for my first reef aquarium(55gal). Im confused on the proper decision to make of whether to buy my water from the pet store for .40c a gallon or purchase a RO unit such as a Kent Marine, or just use a tap water filter like the AQ. Pharm($31). My question is, is a tap water purifier enough or do I need to use only RO water. This is from the first fill up of the aquarium to all the water changes. Should I use the tap water purifier to fill up the aquarium the first time or go strictly with RO water.

My second question is also about RO units. Seems like the only advantage you receive by having your own is not having to transport water bought from the pet store home. If I read correctly, most RO units waste 4 gallons for every 1 gallon they produce. If this is correct by the time I figure in 55 gallons X 5 then Im cheaper to buy it from the pet store than make it from my tap water. Is this a correct assumption, and what are your recommendations?

Thank you very much for your responses!</strong><hr></blockquote>


IF you don't mind lugging water back and forth from the store and paying $x a gallon for now then go ahead and buy from a store. That way when you buy a RODI unit (@<$180) you'll appreciate the freedom

OR just buy the unit now and save the hassle....

[ January 04, 2002: Message edited by: kevreh ]</p>

 

[GMH320]

I use the AQ pharm tap water purifier for all my water. I get about 50 gallons per cartridge ($15.00) which comes out to .30/gal.