Water options

[thl]

I'll be starting a new 3g JBJ picotope and since I just moved here a few months ago, I'm wondering what options are available in Manhattan.

1. Tap water: I know you're not supposed to use tap water in general, but what about after neutralizing it with something like this: http://www.fosterandsmithaquatics.com/Product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=21332. Does anyone have experience with this stuff?

2. RO/DI: Where in the UES/Manhattan do you buy this? I've heard Target and Walmarts being recommended....but I haven't seen any Targets or Walmarts in this area, much less Targets or Walmarts selling this water. Buying a RO/DI system is probably out of the question right now since my apartment is ridiculously tiny.

3. Premixed: Any recommendations for LFS selling premixed water? Any comments on consistency/quality of their water?

 

[cowfish]

Buy a RODI unit. The cost is worth the cash and hassle it will save you in the long run.

 

[rebelson]

If you reaaly don't want to buy a RODI unit (which you should since you'll save $ in the long run) you can check out Manhattan Aquariums for RODI. If you want to go another route you can always purchase DI water from your local supermarket.

 

[Jzhou]

It depends on if the 3 gallon tank is going to be the only tank you are going to keep. If it is, buying an RO unit for a 3 gallon tank might be over kill, but you can buy the RO water from Manhattan Aquarium or Target. I believe the 1$ store brand gallons were also filtered with RODI.

 

[Imbarrie]

Carib sea nutriwater is sold in 5gallon containers and is probably the easiest re mixed water option.
Or RODI from your LFS

 

[thl]

Right now the 3gallon is the only one I'm keeping due to space limitations. I'll go check out the local supermarkets for the water. Thanks a bunch guys.

 

[jnelson]

Another option would be distilled water - I used distilled for changes and top offs back when I had a 6G Fluval Edge and had no problems with it.

 

[STHILL]

Babies r us water is rodi ...look for their brand with the pic of baby on front its a yellow label its $1 a gallon sometimes you get it on sale 3 gallons for $2... it says right on front label rodi filtered

 

[ChickenKing]

FWIW ..... Not sure if I have my information correct but it is safe to drink RO water but RODI is not safe for human consumption. It's what you want for the tank though. Just a thought.

 

[thl]

It's the DI part that's unsafe because your body need the trace minerals and ions as metabolites.

I actually went and bought some premixed saltwater at the LFS while buying my live rocks. At 15 bucks for 2.5 gallons, this isn't something I'll be continuing in the long run.

But the good news is the LR and sand are in the tank now and the water has cleared up overnight. I see some snails and worms crawling around too. Pretty excited!

 

[NewfiDog]

The DI part not being safe to drink is actually a big argument. For one it is safe to drink. Your doctor will tell you not to drink it because it lacks minerals and metabolites they claim you need. There is a big marget for it right now theres alot of health stores actually pushing it and there are lots of claims from people saying they feel much better. I dont know i dont drink it. Distilled and DI water is suppose to be the same thing just different ways to acheive the end result. Check any store like trader joes and distilled water is sold like crazy.

I even googled it once for the hell of it, lots of claims of people saying its good for you. I dont know if it is or isnt but im really just saying you wont die drinking it.

 

[jayuws]

I don't drink RODI water because it takes so long and waste so much tap water to make. But I always use my waste water that comes out of the RO unit before reaching the DI unit. My RO waste water has gone through 3 filters before it is rejected by the 4th filter. That's still much better water than regular filtered drinking water. This is also my way of rationalizing why I have all of these filters in my tiny kitchen. Considering how much you pay for RODI water and filtered drinking water, it's far more cost effective to buy a RODI unit.