question about using distilled H2O

[tah532]

I have read about possibly using distilled water as topoff water and possibly for bulk water changes. Would like to hear anyones input on the subject in laymen/beginner terms. I dont want to get a RO/DI setup or anything like that, just want to buy and use the distilled water over using my softened tap water. I know the cost is a factor, but could anyone please explain to me the pros and cons of this idea, e.g. phosphates in tap water, etc. Thanks!

 

[hdtran]

Distilled water, in theory, is as good as RO/DI water. The problem is that some suppliers of distilled water are reported to use copper tubing in their distilling equipment, which could introduce some traces of copper into your topoff water (clearly, not a good thing).

 

[tah532]

what might be some of those side effects of using Distilled water with those copper traces in it?

 

[hdtran]

Copper kills inverts.

 

[Aff]

For what it's worth I've been using distilled water for almost 5 years with no problem. Used it from two different places. First was a local grocery store that gave me bulk discounts that went out of business. Now just using Wal-mart brand. Cheapest I can find.